LOS ANGELES — What do tech billionaire Elon Musk, Hollywood producer David Geffen and U2 guitarist The Edge have in common? They’ve all tangled with the California Coastal Commission.
The sharp-elbowed agency charged with protecting California’s shoreline from development became Musk’s latest target when he sued them this week for rejecting his aerospace company’s bid to increase rocket launches off the coast — while citing his support of former President Donald Trump.
Musk has irritated plenty of government officials before. But this is the first time an agency’s members have called out his Trump support while weighing his business interests. The commission may be well equipped to take on Musk given its history of tangling with rich and powerful owners of spectacular waterfront properties.
Even still, going up against one of the wealthiest men on the planet — and the owner of a massive social-media megaphone — will put the California panel to the test.
