Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s stalemate with California officials appears to have reached a conclusion.
Musk opened his Alameda County, California, auto manufacturing plant this week in defiance of the state’s stay-at-home orders, but officials told him on Tuesday that he can open on the condition that he maintains “minimum business operations,” according to CNN Business.
“We will be working with the Fremont Police Department to verify Tesla is adhering to physical distancing and that agreed upon health and safety measures are in place for the safety of their workers as they prepare for full production,” a statement from county health officials said.
Musk took to Twitter on Monday, announcing that he was opening his plant despite orders from the state government that businesses remain closed.
“Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules,” Musk tweeted. “I will be on the line with everyone else. 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
Musk also threatened a lawsuit against Alameda County and said he would move operations out of California and head to Texas or Nevada.
President Trump expressed support for Musk’s position over the past few days, tweeting that the Tesla CEO should be allowed to open up immediately.
California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast & Safely!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2020
Musk responded on Twitter with a message of “thank you!”
California residents have grown increasingly frustrated with the state’s stay-at-home orders, which have been altered and extended several times over the past few weeks.
A gym in Sacramento filed a lawsuit against the state, while officials in Placer County have threatened to do the same. Some businesses in the northern part of the state have joined Musk and opened their doors despite orders to remain closed.
