by Emily Prescott
Kansas City Star
Recent protests in Salt Lake City, Utah, have fueled rising tensions surrounding Tesla. Supporters opposed progressive demonstrators calling for a boycott of the company. The unrest came amid increased vandalism targeting Tesla dealerships, including a recent fire at a Las Vegas service center that damaged multiple vehicles.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the violence against Tesla, noting that it harms public perception. He emphasized the need for peaceful expression and criticized those who are “setting people’s vehicles on fire.”..
Energy and Environment Legal Institute senior fellow Steve Milloy said, “During an EV fire, more than 100 substances are emitted, including heavy metals, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, all of which can cause illness and death at high enough exposures.”
Milloy added, “Research is underway to understand what if any actual risks to firefighters, the general public and the environment are posed by EV fires. But given that greens have pushed for laws that fine people for the act of mere littering, it would be inconceivably hypocritical for them not to condemn and support prosecution for the attacks on Teslas.”
