Story by Jordan Parker
Bay Area Air Quality Management District officials have ordered Tesla to rectify its air quality violations at its Fremont car factory, saying the electric vehicle giant has emitted “harmful precursor organic compounds and toxic air contaminants directly into the atmosphere without proper abatement.”
The district, which issued the abatement order Tuesday, sought the order last month after accusing Tesla of the violations.
“Tesla’s ongoing violations at their Fremont facility pose a risk to public health and air quality in the surrounding community,” said Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District. “This order is crucial to ensure that Tesla takes prompt and effective action to stop harmful emissions and comply with all air quality regulations to protect the health of those living near the facility.”
Under the order, Tesla is required to address the violations in a two-step process:
- First, it will have to hire a third-party consultant to complete an evaluation and make recommendations, officials said. The company will then be required to develop an implementation plan for the recommendations and present it to the district’s hearing board for approval.
- Once the plan is approved, Tesla will be required to implement the changes to prevent harmful emissions, except when necessary for safety reasons, officials said.
It’s not the first time the air quality management district has warned Tesla about the issue. Officials said Tesla has received more than 112 violation notices since 2019. In 2018, the electric vehicle company agreed to pay a nearly $140,000 fine due to air pollution at the factory.
