Elon Musk's expansion into Texas has raised concerns among rural residents who initially welcomed him. As his companies, SpaceX and The Boring Company, rapidly develop massive construction sites, locals question their ability to handle environmental risks.
What Happened: In Bastrop County, Texas, locals are voicing apprehension as Musk's companies make significant strides in their development projects. While initially welcoming the investments, concerns have arisen regarding the handling of environmental issues, reported The Washington Post.
Chap Ambrose, a local resident and a supporter of Musk, finds himself torn as massive construction sites and warehouses now dominate the once-green pastures surrounding his rural home.
See Also: Elon Musk Says Tesla’s New Factory Location To Be Finalized Soon: Is India A Potential Destination?
SpaceX and The Boring Company sought state permission to discharge treated wastewater into the nearby Colorado River. Ambrose and other locals are concerned about the environmental impact of this move.
"I just have no faith that the leadership there values the environment and these shared resources. I would say, I'm still a fan [of Elon], but I want him to do better here and be a good neighbor," Ambrose told The Washington Post.
Signs of Musk's fast-paced approach have also prompted regulatory violations in Bastrop County. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality cited Musk's building sites for erosion control issues, while the Texas transportation department reprimanded Boring for constructing an unpermitted driveway, stated the report.
Why It Matters: Musk's companies are making substantial investments throughout Texas. With billions of dollars allocated, projects range from SpaceX's rocket launchpad situated on the Gulf of Mexico to a massive Tesla factory in Austin, churning out 5,000 Model Y vehicles every week.
While Texas Governor Greg Abbott lauded Musk's entrepreneurial spirit and the influx of jobs and high-tech industries into the state, concerns related to the speed and environmental consequences of his ventures have gathered steam.
The grounding of SpaceX's launch program by the Federal Aviation Administration after a rocket explosion raised concerns about public safety and environmental harm. Musk's acquisition of Twitter and his controversial management style have further polarized opinions about him.
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