Tesla Inc. is encountering pushback from community and environmental organisations over its plans to host a 15,000-person party to commemorate the inauguration of its Austin facility.
According to plans submitted to Travis County, which includes Austin, the firm aims to give tours of the 8 million-square-foot complex, food, and two stages with live music during the invite-only event on April 7. Officials gave clearance Tuesday after hearing from worried neighbours.
Paul DiFiore, a spokesman of the Colorado River Conservancy and the Austin-based environmental justice organisation PODER, noted concerns such as noise, blocked roads, construction dust, and water contamination.
“This grand opening does not replace genuine community participation,” DiFiore stated. “I ask you to deny this permission and compel Tesla to postpone its celebration until they begin treating the Eastern Travis County community as more than a source of labour for Elon Musk, but as neighbours and collaborators.”
Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has many enterprises in Texas, just resided there, and last year moved Tesla’s headquarters to Austin. In Brownsville, his SpaceX enterprise has boosted the local economy, but has also sparked opposition from citizens who resent the inflow of riches and subsequent increase in real estate values.
Tesla did not reply to our inquiry for comment.
On Tuesday, the firm held a spectacular opening ceremony for its first European facility outside of Berlin. At least one protester was taken by police when he blocked a road during a rally against the factory’s environmental effect.