Tesla has been instructed to address air quality issues at its electric vehicle manufacturing plant in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District reported that Tesla has accumulated more than 100 violations for allegedly releasing harmful emissions into the air over the past five years. The district intends to issue a formal order later this week following Tuesday’s announcement. According to the board, each of these violations can emit significant amounts of illegal air pollution.
The plant is located in Fremont, in the East Bay, and the district’s independent hearing board highlighted the paint shop operations as a particular concern. Tesla has been directed to hire an independent consultant and develop a plan for approval to address these emissions.
Elon Musk attends an event (Via Jason Smith/Getty Images)
Philip Fine, executive officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, emphasized the importance of this order in protecting public health and air quality in the surrounding community. He stated that prompt and effective action is necessary from Tesla to halt these harmful emissions and comply with air quality regulations.
As of Wednesday, Tesla’s public relations department had not responded to requests for comment. This announcement from the air quality board coincides with Tesla’s ongoing challenges, including multiple recalls of its new Cybertruck and a recent $1.5 million settlement in a hazardous waste mishandling case earlier this year.
