LAS VEGAS — Elon Musk’s “Vegas Loop,” an underground tunnel system transporting passengers in Teslas, is facing increased scrutiny from Nevada lawmakers concerned about alleged workplace safety and environmental violations.
Lawmakers recently questioned state safety officials regarding violations attributed to The Boring Co., the Musk-owned company also planning tunnel projects in Nashville and Dubai. The company declined to attend the questioning but submitted written responses defending its operations.
Democratic Assemblymember Howard Watts stated, “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.”
Opened in 2021, the Vegas Loop currently provides free transportation around the Las Vegas Convention Center and charges between $4 and $12 for rides to hotels, casinos and the airport. The Boring Co. Has been approved to construct 68 miles of tunnels with 104 stations in Las Vegas, a city currently lacking extensive public transit options.
Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley expressed enthusiasm for the project in January, following the issuance of a permit for a new tunnel, stating, “The city is excited to bring an innovative transportation option to downtown Las Vegas and create another way for visitors to experience all that the city has to offer.”
Fines and Investigations
The Boring Co. Has faced accusations of violating safety and environmental regulations. Between 2020 and 2026, 17 complaints were filed with the Nevada State Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Last year, ProPublica reported nearly 800 environmental violations related to the Las Vegas project.
One inspection resulted in eight proposed citations, alleging that 15 to 20 employees suffered burns from accelerants, and that showers were unavailable for employees exposed to these substances. Several complaints remain unresolved.
The company has paid approximately $600,000 in fines, largely to the local water reclamation district for discharging untreated wastewater. It is currently contesting around $355,000 in fines with Nevada’s OSHA and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
In September 2025, a worker sustained a crushing injury inside a tunnel after being pinned by 4,000-foot pipes, according to Assemblymember Watts. The company stated it was investigating the incident and that the employee was in stable condition.
Lawmakers are considering legislation to expedite the assessment of violations and reduce the timeframe for contesting them.
The scrutiny in Nevada coincides with the start of construction on the Music City Loop in Nashville, where some officials have voiced concerns about safety, transparency, and local input.
Withdrawn Fines
Last year, the state withdrew over $425,000 in fines stemming from a May 2025 incident where two firefighters received chemical burns during a training exercise. The withdrawal occurred given that of “mistakes and anomalies” in the OSHA reports, according to agency legal counsel Salli Ortiz, and because the firefighters had not worn a second layer of protective clothing.
Democratic lawmakers have criticized Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and his administration, alleging leniency toward the company. Kris Sanchez, director of the state Department of Business and Industry, denied any external pressure influencing decision-making.
Public Reception
Despite the concerns, the Vegas Loop is popular with many visitors. San Diego resident Devin Newcomb described the system as “awesome,” and Florida resident Samantha Mingola found it more convenient than rideshares, though she expressed worries about the tunnels’ structural integrity and the company’s leadership, stating, “It’s a good idea but it scares me.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vegas Loop?
The Vegas Loop is a network of underground tunnels in Las Vegas designed to transport passengers in Teslas. It currently operates around the Las Vegas Convention Center and provides access to some hotels, casinos, and the airport.
What concerns have been raised about the Vegas Loop?
Lawmakers have raised concerns about alleged workplace safety and environmental violations, including injuries to workers, improper wastewater discharge, and a large number of reported violations.
What is the Boring Co.’s response to these concerns?
The Boring Co. Has provided written responses defending its safety procedures, including daily inspections and workplace safety training. The company is also contesting some fines levied against it.
As the Vegas Loop expands, will regulators be able to effectively oversee the project and ensure public safety?
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