Tesla Accused of Environmental Rule Violations In US and Germany

Rei_is_a_dumbass shares a report from CNBC: Tesla is defending itself in the U.S. and Germany against allegations that it has violated environmental rules and regulations, according to a new financial filing. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency accused Tesla last week of failing to prove it is in compliance with federal emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants. Specifically, the EPA is seeking details about how Tesla handles 'surface coating' of its vehicles. As CNBC has previously reported, the 'paint shop' at Tesla's main U.S. car plant in Fremont, California, has a history of problems, including fires, improper cleaning and maintenance. Some vehicle re-touching, to fix flaws in paint on the cars, has been done in a tented 'paint hospital' at the Fremont factory, employees previously told CNBC. In 2020, Tesla embarked on massive improvements to its paint facilities, Fremont building permits revealed.

Tesla said in the filing Wednesday that the company 'has responded to all information requests from the EPA and refutes the allegations.' The company does not expect any 'material adverse impact' on its business from its dealings with the EPA in this matter. Tesla is also still tangling with local air quality authorities in California -- the Bay Area Air Quality Management District -- over previously disclosed 'notices of violation,' relating to 'air permitting and related compliance for the Fremont Factory.'

In Germany, Wednesday's financial filing said, authorities have fined Tesla 12 million euros, or about $14.5 million, for allegedly failing to make public notifications and properly fulfill their obligations to take back old batteries from customers. German law requires automakers selling electric cars to take back batteries and dispose of them in an environmentally sustainable manner. Tesla wrote in the filing: 'This is primarily relating to administrative requirements, but Tesla has continued to take back battery packs.' Tesla filed an objection in Germany and said that the matter should not have a material impact on Tesla's business.

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