Musk’s Starlink launches spark calls from scientists for a federal review of environmental risks

A coalition of over 100 researchers is urging the federal government to halt new low-orbit satellite launches, including Musk’s Starlink, until environmental impacts are thoroughly studied.

Sarah Fortinsky reports for The Hill.

In short:

Researchers wrote to the FCC, warning that low-orbit satellites could cause environmental harm, including atmospheric pollution from reentry burns.
The letter highlights the lack of current regulatory review and the FCC’s "first-come, first-served" licensing, which prioritizes commercial over environmental considerations.
They call for the FCC to end its satellite environmental review exemption and encourage international collaboration to manage orbital space.

Key quote:

“The environmental harms of launching and burning up so many satellites aren’t clear. That’s because the federal government hasn’t conducted an environmental review to understand the impacts.”

— Researchers’ letter to the FCC

Why this matters:

Unchecked satellite launches risk introducing pollutants into the atmosphere and increasing space debris, posing threats to both Earth’s environment and the long-term safety of space exploration. Without regulatory changes, private entities could determine the environmental fate of space without accountability.

thehill.com

Musk’s Starlink launches spark calls from scientists for a federal review of environmental risks

Governments knew the risks of global warming as they chose fossil-fueled growth in the 1950s and ’60s

The US may be hitting a tipping point for heat pumps

Here’s how offshore wind helped New England beat record heat

The surprising upside of asking people to use less energy

Safety not a factor in determining North Dakota pipeline routes, attorney says

He sued the oil industry for $51B. Now he faces Republicans in a private grilling

A major Colorado River decision looms. Here’s how it will affect millions

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.