Federal Probe Pressures Nevada OSHA Over Dropped Boring Co. Citations

A federal investigation is underway into the handling of workplace safety violations against Elon Musk's Boring Company by Nevada's state occupational safety regulator. The sudden withdrawal of citations against the tunneling firm has raised eyebrows among legal and regulatory officials, who say the process violated standard OSHA procedures. The incident has drawn attention from Nevada politicians, including Congresswoman Dina Titus, who has pressed the governor for answers.

The controversy centers around Nevada OSHA's decision to drop the citations, a move that has sparked a formal "Complaint About State Plan Administration" or CASPA from an unidentified complainant. Federal OSHA is now reviewing the case, including whether proper procedures were followed. A spokesperson for Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto said her office supports the inquiry into whether the Boring Company met all safety requirements.

Lawyers and regulators say the handling of the case defies standard OSHA protocol. Nevada OSHA has acknowledged that the governor's office routinely receives complaints from businesses, but this case stands out due to the company's high-profile connection to Elon Musk. The federal CASPA process will examine the agency's procedures, with Nevada OSHA required to respond within 30 days. The investigation is expected to take fewer than 60 days to resolve, according to OSHA's policy manual.

Political and Regulatory Reactions

The case has become a focal point for political scrutiny. Congresswoman Dina Titus has taken a firm stance, urging Governor Joe Lombardo to ensure transparency and accountability. She has also called for the meetings between the Boring Company and Nevada OSHA to be made public. Her letter raises broader concerns about the integrity of Nevada's workplace safety enforcement, particularly in high-profile cases.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto's office has joined the chorus of support for a thorough investigation. A spokesperson for her office told Fortune that the inquiry should determine whether the Boring Company was held to the same standards as other employers. The senator's stance reflects growing unease among Democratic leaders over perceived lax enforcement of safety regulations in politically sensitive cases.

What the Investigation Entails

Federal OSHA's CASPA process is designed to ensure compliance with federal safety standards by state-run programs like Nevada OSHA. As outlined in OSHA's policy manual, the regional office will review the state agency's case file, interview relevant officials, and assess the effectiveness of Nevada OSHA's procedures. The state agency will have 30 days to respond to the complaint, and its actions will be scrutinized alongside federal findings.

Though the Labor Department declined to comment on the specifics of the complaint or the complainant, it acknowledged the CASPA was filed. A spokeswoman said the investigation is part of an enforcement proceeding and could not be disclosed to avoid interfering with the process. This secrecy has fueled speculation about who brought the complaint and why the citations were dropped.

History of Scrutiny

This is not the first time Nevada OSHA has faced federal scrutiny. Previous incidents have raised questions about the agency's independence and adherence to federal guidelines. The current investigation adds to a broader pattern of concerns about regulatory oversight in Nevada, especially in high-profile cases involving influential businesses.

As the federal probe unfolds, the outcome could set a precedent for how such disputes are handled in the future. The process will also test whether state regulators can maintain the appearance of impartiality when dealing with companies linked to powerful individuals. The case highlights the delicate balance between regulatory enforcement and political influence.