Tesla is set to restart production of its electric vehicles in its factory in California, despite the fact that Alameda County said that it cannot reopen yet.
While California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that manufacturers could resume operations, officials in Alameda County said Tesla’s factory must remain shut down as long as long stay at home orders are in effect.
On Monday afternoon, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that the factory in Fremont would resume operations despite the lockdown measures that are still in effect.
“Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules. I will be on the line with everyone else,” Musk said.
He added, “If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.”
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.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
Tesla’s factory in California has been shuttered since March, 23, due to lockdown measures. And in recent days, Musk has been pushing to reopen the factory.
Tesla filed a lawsuit against the county in a bid to invalidate lockdown orders to allow the company to restart its production. Additionally, Musk threatened to move the company’s headquarters out of California.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also appeared to side with Musk on the issue of whether Tesla should be able to resume its operations.
“I agree with Elon Musk. He’s one of the biggest employers and manufacturers in California,” Mnuchin said during an interview on CNBC.
He added, “California should prioritize doing whatever they need to do to solve those health issues so that he can open quickly and safely.”
Musk has previously called for the government to lift stay at home orders, as IJR reported. In late-April, he tweeted, “FREE AMERICA NOW.”