Tesla ordered to stop releasing toxic emissions from its San Francisco Bay Area factory

FREMONT, Calif. (AP) — Tesla must address air quality issues at its San Francisco Bay Area electric vehicle manufacturing plant after racking up more than 100 violations for allegedly releasing toxic emissions into atmosphere over the past five years, an air quality problem. the board said Tuesday.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District planned to issue a written abatement order later this week following Tuesday’s announcement. Each of the 112 violations can emit hundreds of pounds of illegal air pollution, the council said.

The plant is in the East Bay city of Fremont, and the agency’s independent hearing panel highlighted the facility’s paint shop operations as a specific problem. The board ordered Tesla to hire an independent consultant and develop a proposed implementation plan for approval, which it must then execute to stop toxic emissions.

“Tesla’s continued violations at their Fremont facility pose a risk to public health and air quality in the surrounding community,” Philip Fine, general manager of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, said in a statement from press. “This order is crucial to ensure Tesla takes quick and effective action to stop harmful emissions and comply with all air quality regulations to protect the health of people living near the facility.”

Tesla’s public relations department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

The board’s announcement comes as Tesla recalls its futuristic new Cybertruck pickup for the fourth time in the United States to address issues with trim parts that can come loose and front windshield wipers that can break down.

In February, a California judge ordered the company to pay $1.5 million as part of the settlement of a civil case alleging the company mismanaged hazardous waste at its auto service centers, its energy and a factory.

The complaint filed in San Joaquin County alleged illegal disposal of hazardous waste and violation of laws regarding waste storage and management. Prosecutors said Tesla cooperated with the investigation and took steps to improve compliance with laws brought to its attention by prosecutors.