Musk's Vegas Loop Under Fire: Safety and Environmental Violations Scrutinised
Elon Musk's ambitious Vegas Loop project, an underground transit system utilising private tunnels and Tesla vehicles, is facing intense scrutiny from Nevada lawmakers. The innovative transport network, designed to ferry passengers beneath Las Vegas, has been the subject of years of complaints regarding workplace safety and alleged environmental violations.
Lawmakers Grill Officials Over Alleged Violations
This week, Nevada legislators spent hours questioning state safety officials about alleged violations by The Boring Company, Musk's tunneling venture. The company, which has additional projects planned in Nashville and Dubai, declined to attend the hearing but provided written responses defending its operations.
"I think they are a company that acts like they are kind of above the law and want to play by their own set of rules," stated Democratic Assemblymember Howard Watts, whose district includes the tunnel project. Watts expressed significant concerns about the company's approach to regulatory compliance.
Project Overview and Expansion Plans
First opened in 2021, the Vegas Loop currently offers free rides around the Las Vegas Convention Center, with charges ranging from $4 to $12 for journeys to hotels, casinos, and the airport. Passengers can hail Teslas via website or access them at designated stations.
The Boring Company has approval to construct an extensive network of 68 miles of tunnels with 104 stations across Las Vegas in coming years. This development aims to address the city's notable lack of fast, robust public transportation options.
Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley praised the project in January following the issuance of a new tunnel permit, stating: "The city is excited to bring an innovative transportation option to downtown Las Vegas and create another way for visitors to experience all that the city has to offer."
Safety and Environmental Concerns Mount
Between 2020 and 2026, 17 formal complaints were filed with the Nevada State Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding The Boring Company's operations. Last year, ProPublica reported the company faced accusations of nearly 800 environmental violations specifically related to its Las Vegas project.
One particularly concerning inspection resulted in eight proposed citations, including allegations that 15 to 20 employees suffered burns from accelerants without adequate shower facilities available for decontamination. Several other complaints remain under active investigation.
Financial Penalties and Legal Challenges
The Boring Company has paid approximately $600,000 in fines, with the majority allocated to the local water reclamation district for discharging untreated wastewater. However, the company is contesting around $355,000 in additional fines with Nevada's OSHA and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
In correspondence with lawmakers, the company emphasised its commitment to safety procedures, including daily inspections and comprehensive workplace safety training programmes.
Notable Incident Highlights Risks
Assemblymember Watts highlighted a September 2025 incident where a worker sustained crushing injuries after being pinned between two 4,000-foot pipes within a tunnel. Firefighters required a crane to extract the injured employee from the tunnel opening.
The company issued a statement at the time confirming investigation of the incident and emphasising employee safety as their top priority, noting the worker was in stable condition.
Legislative Response and Future Actions
Watts indicated lawmakers may introduce legislation next session to accelerate violation assessment processes and shorten timelines for contesting penalties. This scrutiny coincides with The Boring Company beginning construction on Nashville's Music City Loop, despite opposition from local officials concerned about safety, transparency, and insufficient community input.
Controversial Fine Withdrawal
Last year, Nevada withdrew over $425,000 in fines stemming from a May 2025 incident where two firefighters received chemical burns during a training exercise. State legal counsel Salli Ortiz explained that OSHA reports contained errors and anomalies that would likely prevent meeting the high burden of proof required to justify the penalties.
Inspection reports revealed the firefighters had opted against wearing a second protective layer, and The Boring Company had conducted six safety meetings with the fire department prior to the drill.
Democratic lawmakers criticised Republican Governor Joe Lombardo and his administration for perceived leniency toward the company. Kris Sanchez, director of the state Department of Business and Industry, denied any external pressure influenced decision-making processes.
Public Reception and User Experiences
Despite the controversies, the tunnel system has proven popular with many visitors, particularly during major conventions like January's Consumer Electronics Show. Observations at the Las Vegas Convention Center reveal a steady stream of Teslas transporting passengers throughout weekdays.
Frequent visitor Devin Newcomb from San Diego praised the system's convenience, while Florida resident Samantha Mingola appreciated its ease of use compared to other rideshare options. However, Mingola expressed concerns about potential tunnel collapses and reservations about Musk's leadership, stating: "It's a good idea but it scares me."
The ongoing scrutiny highlights the complex balance between technological innovation, public safety, and environmental responsibility as ambitious infrastructure projects reshape urban transportation landscapes.
