Elon Musk’s projects in Texas have raised concerns amongst locals, especially those living in rural parts who initially welcomed him. As both of his companies, SpaceX and The Boring Company, rapidly develop enormous construction sites, residents are questioning their ability to handle environmental risks, according to a report by The Washington Post.
Locals in Bastrop County, Texas, are worried about how Musk’s companies are handling environmental issues. Chap Ambrose, a supporter of Elon Musk, finds himself torn as large construction sites and warehouses now dominate the once-green pastures surrounding his rural home. SpaceX and The Boring Company sought state permission to discharge treated wastewater into the nearby Colorado River. However, Ambrose and other locals are concerned about the environmental impact of this move.
Musk’s companies are making substantial investments throughout Texas. Projects range from SpaceX’s rocket launchpad on the Gulf of Mexico to a massive Tesla factory in Austin producing 5,000 Model Y vehicles every week. However, signs of Musk’s fast-paced approach have also prompted regulatory violations in Bastrop County.
While Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised 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 (FAA) 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.
