After repeated air quality infractions, the Bay Area is cracking down on Tesla's Fremont factory. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District seeks to enforce an abatement order to halt what they describe as "frequent and ongoing violations" related to the car manufacturer's paint shop operations. According to a report released today, the Air District has cited Tesla for at least 112 violations since 2019, each capable of pumping out upwards of 750 pounds of illegal pollution.

The agency is contacting its Hearing Board to stop the malpractice in a move intended to compel compliance. Per the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, these repetitive incidents hinge on either equipment malfunction or intentional shutdowns by Tesla staff and contractors, resulting in toxic compounds and other contaminants being released directly into the atmosphere. "Tesla’s repeated failure to comply with air quality regulations is unacceptable and increases the risk to public health," Dr. Philip Fine, Air District executive officer, stated emphatically.

The proposed two-step correction course entails hiring an independent consultant for an assessment and crafting a follow-through plan based on their recommendations. This proposal must earn the green light from the Hearing Board before Tesla can take action. The plan aims to cut back on the emissions except in cases where it may be necessary for safety reasons.

The public, whom these emissions impact directly, is prompted to actively participate in the Hearing Board hearing. Community members are encouraged to provide their insights or testimonials, which they can do either in person or virtually via Zoom. Once the hearing's date is locked down, the link will be published on the Air District's website, and updates can be proactively received by signing up online.