Proposed rocket launch site in Texas clears hurdle

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — Building and operating a private rocket launch site along the coast in the southernmost tip of Texas is unlikely to jeopardize the existence of protected animal species and would create few unavoidable impacts, according to a final federal environmental review.

The Federal Aviation Administration released the environmental impact statement for California-based SpaceX on Thursday. It does not guarantee that the FAA would issue launch licenses there, but it is an essential step in that direction.