• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Farm groups saved Bayer in court over RoundUp cancer claims. Five days later, Bayer called for tariffs on the ingredient farmers rely on

2

U.S. Treasury has borrowed $155 billion every month of this fiscal year—and is now paying $24 billion a week in interest on its debts

3

Billionaire MacKenzie Scott just donated $20 million to support America’s youth mental health, as a fifth of teens struggle with suicidal thoughts

1

Farm groups saved Bayer in court over RoundUp cancer claims. Five days later, Bayer called for tariffs on the ingredient farmers rely on

2

U.S. Treasury has borrowed $155 billion every month of this fiscal year—and is now paying $24 billion a week in interest on its debts

3

Billionaire MacKenzie Scott just donated $20 million to support America’s youth mental health, as a fifth of teens struggle with suicidal thoughts
Startups & VentureThe Boring Company

Exclusive: Nevada congresswoman sends letter to Governor Lombardo ‘demanding transparency’ and accountability on rescinded Boring Company penalties

By
Jessica Mathews
Jessica Mathews
Former Senior Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Jessica Mathews
Jessica Mathews
Former Senior Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 20, 2025, 1:27 PM ET
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo
Nevada Gov. Joe LombardoBenjamin Hager—Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada sent a letter to Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo Wednesday night, urging him to hold Elon Musk’s tunneling company, the Boring Company, accountable after firefighters were burned by chemicals in its tunnels and after the company was caught dumping wastewater in Las Vegas manholes.

“This project in Southern Nevada has been riddled with safety and environmental concerns since the start,” wrote Congresswoman Titus, a Democrat, and one of four politicians representing the state of Nevada in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

In the letter, which Fortune is first to report, Titus wrote that the way Governor Lombardo’s staff appeared to have handled an OSHA safety investigation into the Boring Company, and its resulting fines, “raises larger questions about whether Southern Nevadans can trust that their health and safety are being protected.” 

“This was all done outside of the official process that allows entities to challenge citations made by Nevada OSHA in a manner that safeguards transparency and accountability,” Titus wrote in the letter to the state’s Republican governor. Steve Davis, president of the Boring Company, and Sean Sims, head of Loop safety and security at Boring, were also copied on the letter.

The letter, which extensively cites reporting by Fortune over the past two years, comes shortly after Fortune’s most recent investigation published last week, which revealed that three “willful” citations that had been issued against the Boring Company in May were rescinded a day after Boring Company’s president called a representative from Lombardo’s office.

Nevada OSHA and the agencies that sit above it have maintained that the citations did not meet necessary legal requirements, and were therefore not valid. And OSHA said that the governor’s office frequently fields concerns from businesses in the state. However, Fortune found that the rescinding process itself and the case file’s lack of explanation for their removal went outside OSHA’s operating procedure. A document was also altered in the public record, which raised alarm among Nevada regulators and lawyers in the state, who said what took place was inappropriate. Chris Reilly, the representative from Lombardo’s office who interfaced with Boring Company regarding the citations, told Fortune in its previous story that “no record was edited at the direction of me, the Governor’s Office, DIR, B&I, or any other entity I am aware of,” adding that the “insinuation” that these officers had directed such a deletion was “incorrect.”

In her letter, Titus asked whether Lombardo would cooperate with a public hearing and asked him to commit to make the agreed monthly meetings between Nevada OSHA’s chief administrative officer and the Boring Company public. She also asked for specifics regarding which officials had initially signed off on the citations before they were issued, and who made the decision to rescind the citations against Boring Company, among other requests.

“Please release the final justification document and/or all draft justification documents behind the decision by your Administration to rescind the fine against Boring, including any documents that have been deleted from public records,” the letter requests.

Fortune had reported in its investigation that people within the agency were frightened of examining Boring Company after two staffers who worked on the case had been disciplined. In the letter, Titus asked what actions Lombardo’s office is taking to ensure that safety concerns about its Vegas Loop project were addressed appropriately and what procedures were in place to protect Nevada OSHA staffers with concerns about retaliation.

“The push from Boring executives to build the tunnel quickly without consideration for worker and public safety is clear,” Titus wrote.

Earlier on Wednesday, Nevada’s OSHA issued a lengthy press release titled “Setting the record straight,” reiterating many of the same points it made in Fortune’s previous article and insisting there was no political influence.

Governor Lombardo’s press secretary did not respond to an immediate request for comment for this story.

‘Too many cooks in the kitchen’

In an interview this week, Titus said she found Fortune’s findings to be “horrendous” and said she was concerned for the safety of her constituents. She raised explicit concern about Boring Company being caught dumping wastewater in Las Vegas manholes. “If they’re willing to do that. What other shortcuts are they taking?” she asked.

Until now, Titus, whose district includes Las Vegas, said she hadn’t closely followed the progress of the Las Vegas Loop project, which has been underway since 2019. 

“I haven’t been watching it so closely,” she said. “I guess I should have, since I didn’t realize that nobody else was.”

Titus said that, between the Clark County regulators, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Division of Industrial Relations, Nevada OSHA, and the Governor’s office, there were “too many cooks in the kitchen,” and she recommended more centralized responsibility with the Boring Company project moving forward.

“I think looking at how to streamline that, or just put more responsibility in one place that can be held more accountable, would be a good reform,” she said. 

Titus is advocating for more transparency: She said she is pushing for a public hearing on the matter and, in her letter to Lombardo, asked that he open up Nevada OSHA’s meetings with Boring Company to the public. 

Titus said that she is contemplating working with someone to file a federal OSHA complaint “if that seems appropriate,” as she openly questioned whether the legislature needed to “take another look” at the power given to the state OSHA plan.

“It’s going to take some guts to stand up to it and demand some changes, but I think people here in Nevada are willing to do that,” she said.

You can read the full letter below:

Subscribe to Fortune Gulf Brief. Every Tuesday, this new newsletter delivers clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it. Sign up here.
About the Author
By Jessica MathewsFormer Senior Writer
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Jessica Mathews is a former senior writer for Fortune, where she covered transportation, defense tech, and Elon Musk’s companies.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Startups & Venture

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Startups & Venture

This summer’s hottest IPOs are minting a new class of ultra-high-net-worth ‘IPO Bros’—and family offices are changing how they approach them
SuccessIPOs
This summer’s hottest IPOs are minting a new class of ultra-high-net-worth ‘IPO Bros’—and family offices are changing how they approach them
By Catherina GioinoJuly 10, 2026
3 hours ago
In 2026 so far, U.S. VCs have deployed a record-shattering $412.7 billion. Almost none of it is trickling down.
NewslettersTerm Sheet
In 2026 so far, U.S. VCs have deployed a record-shattering $412.7 billion. Almost none of it is trickling down.
By Allie GarfinkleJuly 10, 2026
14 hours ago
Asia’s founders are decamping to the U.S. as the region suffers a protracted venture funding slump
AsiaVenture Capital
Asia’s founders are decamping to the U.S. as the region suffers a protracted venture funding slump
By Angelica AngJuly 9, 2026
1 day ago
Peter Cancro shakes oregano over an open sandwich.
RetailFood and drink
Jersey Mike’s $12 billion IPO filing reveals a $50 million payday for the founder’s stepson and a $41 million jet
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 9, 2026
1 day ago
Amazon CTO Werner Vogels speaking on stage.
NewslettersEye on AI
Amazon’s CTO on how developers can ride the AI-powered coding wave
By Beatrice NolanJuly 9, 2026
1 day ago
The crypto startup trying to put a barrel of oil on blockchain
Cryptocrude oil
The crypto startup trying to put a barrel of oil on blockchain
By Mia Gindis, Sidhartha Shukla and BloombergJuly 9, 2026
1 day ago

Most Popular

Farm groups saved Bayer in court over RoundUp cancer claims. Five days later, Bayer called for tariffs on the ingredient farmers rely on
Economy
Farm groups saved Bayer in court over RoundUp cancer claims. Five days later, Bayer called for tariffs on the ingredient farmers rely on
By Mia OsmonbekovJuly 9, 2026
1 day ago
U.S. Treasury has borrowed $155 billion every month of this fiscal year—and is now paying $24 billion a week in interest on its debts
Economy
U.S. Treasury has borrowed $155 billion every month of this fiscal year—and is now paying $24 billion a week in interest on its debts
By Eleanor PringleJuly 10, 2026
12 hours ago
Billionaire MacKenzie Scott just donated $20 million to support America’s youth mental health, as a fifth of teens struggle with suicidal thoughts
Success
Billionaire MacKenzie Scott just donated $20 million to support America’s youth mental health, as a fifth of teens struggle with suicidal thoughts
By Emma BurleighJuly 9, 2026
1 day ago
Top Iranian officials admitted to the supreme leader that the U.S. naval blockade was crushing the economy, report says, as Trump eyes reimposing it
Middle East
Top Iranian officials admitted to the supreme leader that the U.S. naval blockade was crushing the economy, report says, as Trump eyes reimposing it
By Jason MaJuly 10, 2026
6 hours ago
Self-made multimillionaire says Canadians 'give no money away' compared with Americans—research shows U.S. giving is more than twice as high
Success
Self-made multimillionaire says Canadians 'give no money away' compared with Americans—research shows U.S. giving is more than twice as high
By Preston ForeJuly 9, 2026
1 day ago
Current price of oil as of July 10, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of July 10, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJuly 10, 2026
12 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.