Tesla’s Construction and Mission
After months of deliberation and conversations with governors across the country, Tesla made the decision to build its newest factory in Austin, Texas. Construction is well underway for what will be a billion-dollar, 2,000-acre facility along the banks of the Colorado River.

We are moving towards a future where car electrification is the norm. This is good news for those concerned about the environmental footprint of gas-powered vehicles because electric cars emit comparatively less CO2 regardless of the electric grid’s energy composition.

Tesla’s brand hinges on their ambition to provide technologically advanced and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles. However, the reality of their commitment to sustainability is questionable given their past violations of federal environmental protocol.

Community Impact
The community impact of Tesla cannot be overstated. The facility promises to bring thousands of much-needed jobs and school programs to the East Austin area, and many community members are excited. 

However, when major corporations come into communities of lower-socioeconomic status the result can be higher property taxes and the possibility that the jobs they promise will go to people outside the community, leaving people near the factory with higher taxes and no additional income to offset them.

Another concern was brought to our attention by Susana Almanza, director of PODER. Although electric vehicles are Tesla’s answer to getting away from fossil fuels, they are too expensive for most, creating a scenario in which those without them are looked down upon because they drive “dirty” gas-powered vehicles. This forces us to question what it means to have private, for-profit, companies leading the way to a sustainable future.

Lithium Mining
The main component of the batteries inside of electric vehicles is lithium, which has been extracted without permission from Indigenous communities that live in mining areas. 

The top five lithium producing companies in the world all have human rights abuse allegations made against them, and this trend is not unique to lithium. Around 88% of all extractive mineral companies have allegations of violating human rights. As the demand for these extractive minerals accelerates, it is crucial that we do not sacrifice ethics in the name of sustainability. 

Looking Ahead
The existential threat of climate change challenges us to redesign our systems of consumption and production. Tesla promises some of those changes, but how a sustainable future is achieved is just as important as if it is achieved at all. It is essential that those in marginalized communities, who often feel the impacts of climate change and resource consumption most drastically, have the power and voice to participate in these conversations.

The construction in East Austin brings economic potential for the area and increased opportunity for Tesla to revolutionize the car industry. Even though the electrification of vehicles can seem like unquestionable environmental progress, we hope this podcast offers additional perspectives through which listeners may be challenged to think more broadly about companies such as Tesla and the future of energy on this planet.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yv0fmRM3U5vDKO-30c6h0MoHzfivwFNihlYsx2e9vcg/edit?usp=sharing

Sophia L.