Comment from Pevehouse, Rustin

I support BOEM's evaluation of the potential use of inactive offshore oil and gas platforms and other existing Outer Continental Shelf infrastructure for commercial and government space launch activities. The United States will require substantially more launch capacity in the coming decades as commercial spaceflight, national security missions, scientific research, and space exploration continue to grow. Repurposing suitable offshore platforms offers a practical way to expand launch infrastructure without waiting years to build entirely new facilities. Existing structures represent significant investments that should be considered for productive new uses where technically feasible. Offshore launch sites also provide important operational advantages, including greater flexibility for launch trajectories and reduced impacts on populated areas. Expanding the number of available launch locations will improve resiliency, increase competition, reduce bottlenecks, and help ensure the United States remains the global leader in space transportation. I encourage BOEM to establish a clear and predictable regulatory pathway for evaluating these projects. Companies considering major investments need a permitting process that is rigorous but efficient, with defined timelines and consistent standards. Regulatory uncertainty can discourage innovation and slow the development of critical infrastructure. Environmental and navigational impacts should, of course, be evaluated as required by law, but those reviews should be based on sound scientific evidence and should recognize the significant national interest in expanding American access to space. The objective should be to enable safe and responsible development rather than create unnecessary barriers to projects that can provide substantial public and economic benefits. Overall, I strongly support continued study and eventual implementation of offshore launch capabilities using appropriate existing infrastructure. Repurposing inactive offshore platforms is an innovative approach that can strengthen U.S. space leadership, enhance national security, encourage private investment, and make productive use of assets that might otherwise remain idle.