Tesla is facing challenges at its Fremont factory in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the past five years, more than 100 violations have resulted in the release of toxic emissions into the atmosphere, prompting the region’s air quality management board to take action. Tesla has been officially ordered to stop these emissions. Here are the details:
Tesla ordered to stop toxic emissions at Fremont factory
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District plans to issue a written abatement order this week. Each of these violations could result in hundreds of kilograms of illegal air pollution being emitted. The factory’s paint shop operations are particularly problematic. The board has mandated that Tesla hire an independent consultant to develop and implement an approved plan to stop the toxic emissions.
Philip Fine, the chief executive of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, stated, “Tesla’s ongoing violations at the Fremont facility pose a risk to public health and air quality in the surrounding community. This order is critical to ensure Tesla takes swift and effective measures to stop toxic emissions and comply with all air quality regulations.”
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Tesla’s public relations department has not yet commented on the situation. The order to stop toxic emissions comes on the heels of Tesla recalling its future Cybertruck pickup for the fourth time, due to issues such as loose trim parts and malfunctioning windshield wipers.
In February, a California judge ordered Tesla to pay $1.5 million as part of a civil lawsuit alleging the mishandling of hazardous waste at car service centers, energy centers, and a factory. The complaint filed in San Joaquin County claimed that hazardous waste was illegally disposed of and that laws regarding waste storage and management were violated.
Prosecutors noted that Tesla cooperated with the investigation and took steps to comply with the laws brought to their attention. It will be interesting to see how Tesla responds to the order to stop toxic emissions. However, it is clear that they need to take swift and effective action to protect the environment and improve air quality.
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