Nevada lawmakers pressed state regulators this week over alleged safety lapses and environmental breaches tied to the Boring Company’s Vegas Loop. Officials reviewed 17 OSHA complaints filed from 2020–2026 and referenced reporting of nearly 800 alleged environmental violations. The company has paid about $600,000 in fines, is contesting roughly $355,000 in state penalties, and had more than $425,000 in fines withdrawn after questions about investigative reports. Lawmakers signaled possible legislation to speed violation assessments as tunneling expands to other cities.
Nevada Lawmakers Scrutinize Elon Musk’s Vegas Loop Over Safety, Environmental Violations
A Tesla is driven through the Vegas Loop under the city on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Nevada lawmakers this week intensified scrutiny of Elon Musk’s Vegas Loop — the Boring Company’s underground Tesla shuttle network — raising questions about workplace safety, environmental compliance and how state agencies handled complaints.
Lawmakers Question Oversight and Company Practices
State legislators spent hours questioning Nevada safety officials about dozens of complaints linked to the project. Company representatives did not attend the hearing in person but submitted written responses defending their operations and safety programs. Democratic Assemblymember Howard Watts, whose district includes the tunnel project, told reporters,
A sign directs motorists into the Vegas Loop on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
“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.”
First opened in 2021, the Vegas Loop provides complimentary service around the Las Vegas Convention Center and charges $4–$12 for many rides to hotels, casinos and the airport. Riders hail Teslas via a website or access them at stations. The Boring Company holds permits to build up to 68 miles (109.44 km) of tunnels and 104 stations across Las Vegas.
Alleged Violations, Fines and Contests
From 2020 through 2026, 17 complaints were filed with the Nevada State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) related to the project. Investigations and reporting have also highlighted broader concerns: ProPublica reported nearly 800 alleged environmental violations tied to the Las Vegas work.
A Tesla is driven into the Vegas Loop under the city on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
One OSHA inspection resulted in eight proposed citations, including allegations that 15–20 employees sustained burns from accelerants and that adequate decontamination showers were not available. Several other complaints remain under review.
The Boring Company has paid nearly $600,000 in fines, most of which were paid to the local water reclamation district for discharging untreated wastewater. The company is contesting roughly $355,000 in penalties from Nevada OSHA and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
Teslas are lined up inside the Vegas Loop Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Incidents Under Review
Lawmakers highlighted a September 2025 incident in which a worker was crushed after being pinned between two long pipes inside a tunnel; firefighters used a crane to extract him from the opening. The company said it investigated the event and that the employee was in stable condition and recovering.
Separately, the state withdrew more than $425,000 in fines tied to a May 2025 training exercise after the agency identified errors and anomalies in reports. Agency counsel noted the high legal burden required to justify the penalties and said the firefighters had declined an additional layer of protective clothing prior to the drill; inspection records also show the company held multiple safety meetings with the fire department before the exercise.
Construction is underway near the Vegas Loop on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Political Fallout And Potential Legislation
Democratic lawmakers criticized Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo’s administration for what they described as leniency toward the company. Kris Sanchez, director of the state Department of Business and Industry, denied that outside pressure influenced agency decisions.
Watts and other lawmakers signaled they may pursue legislation when the legislature reconvenes to shorten the timeline for assessing violations and to speed up the process for contesting citations.
Expansion And Public Reaction
The scrutiny in Nevada comes as the Boring Company begins construction on a Music City Loop in Nashville and plans projects in Dubai. Advocates point to the system’s convenience: the Vegas Loop is popular with conventiongoers and has heavy usage during events like the Consumer Electronics Show.
Visitors praise the service’s convenience, while some riders express unease about safety and the company’s oversight. Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley has publicly supported the expansion, calling it an innovative downtown transportation option.
What Remains Clear: Regulators, lawmakers and the company disagree on the scope and handling of safety and environmental issues. As tunneling continues locally and beyond, Nevada leaders are weighing regulatory changes and faster enforcement options.
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