California Allows Musk To Re-Open Tesla AFTER He Had Already Re-Started Production

When Alameda County refused to let Elon Musk start production in the Tesla plant last week, he made sure they knew how opposed he was. Not only did Musk threaten to open regardless, but he said he would move the Tesla HQ out of California entirely.

So Monday of this week, Tesla’s California factory was “up and running” again. Musk tweeted:

“Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules. I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.” He also wrote, “California approved, but an unelected county official illegally overrode. Also, all other auto companies in US are approved to resume. Only Tesla has been singled out. This is super messed up!”

California Governor, Gavin Newsom, stated last Thursday that essential manufacturing facilities could reopen so Musk emailed employees telling them he intended to begin to restart manufacturing on Friday. It’s reported he told them he would personally join them on the line and wouldn’t require anyone who felt uncomfortable to return. However, Tesla was notified by the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency that it would have to wait until it approved the return-to-work plan to restart production.

Musk re-opened for production anyways. And now, it appears the battle may be ending. The Alameda County Public Health Department announced Wednesday that the California plant will be able to go beyond basic operations this week and start making vehicles this coming Monday as long as it delivers on the worker safety precautions.

It’s unclear whether Tesla will face any punishment for reopening Monday in defiance of county orders. State law allows a fine of up to $1,000 a day or up to 90 days in jail for operating in violation of health orders.