SpaceX, Blue Origin Boost Lobbying Efforts; Witt Snags 2 Contracts

Mojave Air and Space Port CEO Stu Witt (Credit: Bill Deaver)

The Hill reports that SpaceX and Blue Origin have boosted their lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C.

SpaceX has hired former Mojave Air & Space Port CEO and General Manager Stu Witt.  Elon Musk’s company hired S.O. Witt and Associates and Harbinger Strategies to conduct “meetings with officials regarding issues related to competition of satellite launches.” SpaceX now employs nine lobbying firms.

Last month Mojave Air & Space Port Board of Directors approved a consulting contract with Witt to handle issues involving federal, state and local policies. The contract will pay $200 per hour for up to 80 hours of work per month, not to exceed 960 hours annually.

Mojave Airport General Manager and CEO Karina Drees said she does not expect to employ Witt to those maximums. The figures were put in the agreement in accordance with state law, she said.

The spaceport is currently engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in a disagreement over how close power lines and other obstacles can be placed to the facility.

Blue Origin has hired the law and lobby firm Balch & Bingham “to work on Department of Defense appropriations and the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Launch System Investment program.