Tesla’s Giga Nevada is in the final stages of gaining approval from the State of Nevada to change its classification to increase annual emission releases. This application will help Tesla and Panasonic to continue their expansion plans for the facility.
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) noted that Tesla’s application satisfied all requirements. However, as per the process, the NDEP is seeking public comment through August 17 on the application.
If all goes well, the NDEP will issue a new permit to Tesla for the facility.
Currently, Giga Nevada operates under a Class II air quality permit. This permit allows Tesla to emit less than 100 tons of regulated pollutants and less than 25 tons of hazardous air pollutants.
Tesla is looking to change to a Class I air quality permit. A Class I permit would allow Tesla to emit more than 100 tons of regulated pollutants and more than 25 tons of hazardous air pollutants.
However, it is not like Tesla will have free reign. Instead, as per the NDEP:
The proposed permit still requires Tesla, Inc. to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations and ambient air quality standards and also requires the facility to conduct regular monitoring and reporting. While overall emissions at the facility are expected to increase, the permit sets emission limits to ensure that public health is protected. (via Reno Gazette Journal)
With EV battery demands continuing to increase, this change will allow the facility to grow with the demand.
