LAS VEGAS (AP) — Elon Musk's "Vegas Loop," a pioneering network of underground tunnels designed to transport passengers in Teslas, has come under renewed scrutiny from Nevada lawmakers. Concerns have been raised regarding alleged workplace safety and environmental violations associated with the Boring Company, the venture owned by Musk that also has tunneling projects planned in Nashville and Dubai.
Lawmakers engaged in extensive questioning of state safety officials regarding multiple alleged violations by the Boring Company. Notably, company officials opted not to appear in person but provided written responses to defend their project. Democratic Assemblymember Howard Watts, whose district includes the Vegas Loop, expressed skepticism about the company's compliance with regulations, stating, "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."
The Vegas Loop, which opened in 2021, currently offers free rides around the Las Vegas Convention Center and charges riders between $4 and $12 for trips to various hotels, casinos, and the airport. The ride-hailing service can be accessed via the company's website or at designated stations. The Boring Company holds approvals to construct 68 miles (109.44 kilometers) of tunnels and establish 104 stations in Las Vegas over the upcoming years, addressing the city's lack of efficient public transit options.
Tensions mounted as multiple accusations of safety and environmental rule violations against the Boring Company were highlighted. From 2020 to 2026, 17 complaints were filed with the Nevada State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A report by ProPublica raised concerns over nearly 800 environmental violations associated with the Las Vegas project. Among the filed complaints, one led to an inspection resulting in eight proposed citations, including incidents where 15 to 20 employees suffered injuries due to exposures to accelerants without available showers for decontamination. The Boring Company has reportedly paid almost $600,000 in fines, primarily directed towards the local water reclamation district for discharging untreated wastewater, and is contesting around $355,000 in fines from OSHA and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
In response to the allegations, the Boring Company did not provide direct comments but conveyed through a letter to lawmakers that it emphasizes safety procedures, such as daily inspections and extensive workplace safety training. During the testimony, Assemblymember Watts also referenced a significant incident from September 2025, where a worker suffered a crushing injury after being pinned between two 4,000-foot pipes within a tunnel. The company stated that it was investigating the matter and that the injured employee was in stable condition.
Lawmakers have hinted at potential future legislation to expedite the evaluation of safety violations and shorten the timelines for contested cases during their upcoming sessions next year. Concurrently, the Boring Company is facing contradictory opinions about its Nashville project, where construction of the Music City Loop has begun despite some local officials expressing concerns over safety and the level of community input.
Last year, the Nevada state withdrew over $425,000 in fines stemming from a May 2025 incident involving two firefighters who received chemical burns while conducting a training exercise on site. Legal counsel from OSHA, Salli Ortiz, explained to lawmakers that the agency's reports contained errors that would likely fail to meet the high burden of proof necessary to justify the fines. The firefighters had opted out of wearing a second layer of protective clothing, and the Boring Company had held six safety meetings with the fire department before the training incident.
Criticism has been directed at Republican Governor Joe Lombardo and his administration, as Democratic lawmakers contend that they have been lenient towards the Boring Company. Kris Sanchez, director of the state Department of Business and Industry, addressed the legislature, asserting, “The idea that there is external pressure that is swaying my decision making... is incorrect.”
Despite the controversies, the Vegas Loop has received positive feedback from many visitors, particularly during significant events such as the annual Consumer Electronics Show in January. Users have noted the convenience of the system, which allows for easy navigation around the city. San Diego resident Devin Newcomb remarked on the loop's effectiveness, while Florida resident Samantha Mingola acknowledged the convenience but expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with the tunnels and the company’s management under Musk.
