# Judge Blocks SpaceX Wildlife Refuge Swap

> Federal judge allows Trump administration to transfer 700+ acres of wildlife refuge to SpaceX in Texas land swap.
- Title: Judge Blocks SpaceX Wildlife Refuge Swap · ABC7 New York
- Summary: Federal judge allows Trump administration to transfer 700+ acres of wildlife refuge to SpaceX in Texas land swap. A federal judge refused to block the Trump…
- Keywords: spacex, wildlife refuge, land swap, federal judge, trump administration, center for biological diversity, u.s. fish and wildlife service, starbase, lower rio grande valley national wildlif, gulf coast, elton musk, texas
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/story/judge-wont-block-trump-administration-giving-spacex-acres-wildlife-refuge-land-swap/19857742
- Published: 2026-09-22T14:21:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: spacex, wildlife refuge, land swap, federal judge, trump administration, center for biological diversity, u.s. fish and wildlife service, starbase, lower rio grande valley national wildlif, gulf coast, elton musk, texas
## Federal judge rules
A federal judge refused to block the Trump administration from giving SpaceX more than 700 acres of wildlife refuge in Texas as part of a land swap.

> The swap amounts to a gift of public lands to SpaceX, "clearing the way for bulldozers to tear into this wildlife refuge as soon as next week and turn a public treasure into a private payday"
## Wildlife refuge details
The 103,000-acre Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge spans four Texas counties and protects animal habitats and historical landmarks.
## Environmental groups oppose
Center for Biological Diversity and tribal groups filed a lawsuit claiming the swap threatens wildlife and historical sites in South Texas.

> This court order is not the final word. These lands hold incredible spiritual, historical and conservation value for the people and wildlife of South Texas
## U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The agency approved the land swap in June, stating it would cause no significant environmental harm and provide long-term conservation benefits.
## Judge's reasoning
The judge found plaintiffs offered weak evidence of environmental harm and would disrupt SpaceX's development plans.
## SpaceX expansion
SpaceX has expanded rapidly in Texas, with employees voting to incorporate their own local government called Starbase.
## Key takeaway

A federal judge refused to block the Trump administration from giving SpaceX over 700 acres of wildlife refuge in Texas as part of a land swap, despite environmental groups' legal challenges.