Elon Musk’s Vegas Loop project promises a futuristic transit solution, but a lack of oversight and environmental scrutiny has raised questions about safety, labor practices and long-term feasibility.
Daniel Rothberg reports for ProPublica and Dayvid Figler reports for City Cast Las Vegas.
In short:
- Musk’s Boring Company bypassed traditional environmental and safety reviews by partnering with Las Vegas tourism officials, enabling rapid expansion with minimal public input.
- Regulators have fined the company for environmental violations, including discharging untreated water and operating without permits, while labor complaints highlight unsafe working conditions.
- Critics argue that a private, untested transportation system with limited oversight poses risks to public safety and the environment, yet local leaders continue to back its expansion.
Key quote:
“All their answers are completely evasive. So there are significant operational concerns.”
— Nevada transportation industry expert who requested anonymity
Why this matters:
Skeptics warn that relying on a private, untested system could come at a steep cost. With Musk advising the Trump administration on slashing regulations, the Vegas Loop might be a preview of what’s to come: a fast lane to the future with few checks on who’s steering.
Read more: The climate crisis demands a move away from car dependency
