Nevada Accuses Musk’s Boring Company of Almost 800 Violations of Environmental Regulations

Elon Musk’s Boring Co., known for its tunneling and infrastructure projects, has been accused by Nevada regulators of multiple violations of state environmental laws, despite earlier assurances to the contrary.

Currently, the Boring Co. is engaged in expanding its tunnel network beneath Las Vegas, with reports indicating nearly 800 violations, as pointed out by ProPublica. Approximately 100 of these infractions occurred after 2022, following the company’s commitment to adhere to state regulations.

The violations reported include unauthorized excavations, discharging untreated water onto streets, failing to install silt fences, and moving dirt from construction sites onto nearby roads.

Although the Boring Co. could have faced penalties exceeding $3 million, regulators decided to group some violations, resulting in a reduced fine of $242,800.

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection noted that the reduced fine offers “a reasonable punishment that will still help deter future non-compliance behavior.”

Plans for the Las Vegas tunnel system aim to expand from several miles to 68 miles, connecting a total of 104 stations.

Nevertheless, this expansion has faced setbacks. Construction of a tunnel leading to the Las Vegas airport was paused in September after a worker suffered a “crushing injury” while caught between two 4,000-foot pipes.