Tesla Defies Alameda County Order to Reopen Fremont Factory
Tesla is moving forward with plans to resume “limited operations” at its Fremont, California factory, directly challenging Alameda County’s ongoing stay-at-home order. The decision sets the stage for another clash between CEO Elon Musk and local health officials.
Conflicting Directives Spark Tension
Employees received two emails—one from Musk and another from HR director Valerie Workman—indicating the factory would reopen as early as Friday, May 8. This move followed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement allowing manufacturers to resume operations.
However, Tesla appears to be selectively interpreting the state guidelines. While Newsom permitted local governments to maintain stricter measures, Alameda County’s revised stay-at-home order remains in effect through May 31. Under these rules, Tesla wouldn’t be authorized to restart production of its Model S, X, 3, and Y vehicles until June 1.
County Officials Push Back
Alameda County health officials clarified their position in a Friday statement:
“The regional Health Orders that took effect May 4 are still in effect…In our current environment, if a county order differs from a state order, the more restrictive order takes precedence.”
The county emphasized that their orders—shared with five other Bay Area counties and Berkeley—only permit limited construction and outdoor business activities, not the resumption of full manufacturing operations.
History of Disputes
This isn’t Tesla’s first conflict with Alameda County during the pandemic:
- In March, Tesla initially kept Fremont factory open despite shutdown orders
- Musk claimed operations qualified as “essential” under county exemptions
- Alameda Sheriff publicly declared Tesla “non-essential”
- Company eventually suspended production after week-long standoff
The factory has maintained basic operations under a county agreement since March, with full production originally slated to resume May 4 before being extended.
Musk’s Vocal Opposition
The CEO has been increasingly vocal about his objections to pandemic restrictions:
- Ordered temporary pay cuts (10-30%) for salaried employees in April
- Launched Twitter campaign criticizing stay-at-home orders
- Famously tweeted “FREE AMERICA NOW” on April 29
As of publication, Tesla has not responded to requests for comment regarding their latest reopening plans. The situation continues to develop as local officials and the automaker appear headed for another confrontation over public health regulations.
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