Tesla settles $1M penalty for air quality violations at Fremont factory
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FREMONT, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: An aerial view of the Tesla Fremont Factory on May 12, 2020 in Fremont, California. Alameda County has ordered Tesla s CEO Elon Musk to halt production at Tesla Fremont Factory days after Musk defiantly opened up the ele
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FREMONT, Calif. - Officials from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said Friday that Tesla, Inc., has agreed to pay a $1 million penalty and install a solar roof project to settle air quality violations at its Fremont automobile factory.
The settlement covers 33 notices of violation that the air district issued to Tesla. The notices of violation cover a range of violations, including emissions exceeding Tesla s permit limits, installing or modifying equipment without proper permits, failure to conduct required emissions testing, failure to maintain records and failure to report information to the air district in a timely m
As part of this settlement, Tesla has agreed to implement a community microgrid project, which leverages the company s technological expertise in developing next generation power here in the Bay Area.
The community microgrid project will consist of the installation of a solar electric system of approximately 160 kilowatts, paired with a two-powerpack storage system.
Tesla will fund the implementation of this solar microgrid system in a community prioritized under the air district s Community Health Protection Program, which focuses on improving air quality and public health in the Bay Area s most heavily impacted areas.
The goal is to reduce electricity costs as well as localized air pollution emissions within the community.
Tesla to pay $1M air quality penalty, construct solar project
FAIRFIELD Tesla Inc. has agreed to pay $1 million and install a solar roof project to settle an air quality violation at its Bay Area manufacturing plant.
“This settlement requires Tesla’s compliance with (Bay Area Air Quality Management District) regulations at its Fremont facility and demonstrates the air district’s continuing efforts to ensure strict compliance with air pollution regulations while seeking mutually beneficial solutions for the community,” Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district, said in a statement announcing the settlement. “As part of this settlement, Tesla has agreed to implement a community microgrid project, which leverages the company’s technological expertise in developing next-generation power here in the Bay Area.”
‘Spare the Air’ smog season starts with call to drive less
FAIRFIELD The Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s “Spare the Air” smog season started Monday and officials are encouraging residents to drive less to reduce the single largest source of air pollution.
“With traffic already at pre-pandemic levels and more employees returning to their workplaces, our air quality is at risk,” Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district, said in a statement announcing the start of the smog season. “We are asking Bay Area residents to consider commute alternatives like working remotely, taking transit and walking or biking to work instead of driving alone to reduce harmful air pollution and traffic gridlock.”
The meeting will be conducted via Zoom from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
The draft assessment indicates that foundry emissions pose an elevated health risk for the surrounding community. AB&I will be required to submit a risk-reduction plan to the air district.
âStricter pollution controls are necessary to protect the health of East Oakland residents and this collaborative effort with Communities for a Better Environment is crucial to obtain input from those who live and work near the facility,â said Jack Broadbent, the air districtâs executive officer.
The public will be allowed to ask questions and submit comments during the workshop.