The Mexican President recently stated that Tesla should not build a plant in Nuevo Leon due to a water shortage, but the state government is rejecting that claim.
Ivan Rivas Rodriguez, Secretary of Economy of Nuevo Leon’s government, stated on Monday that water availability would not impact investment in the state. This statement comes as Tesla is considering setting up a plant in the state, a proposal that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador recently questioned.
Rodriguez confirmed that there is indeed plenty of water in Nuevo Leon. He added that efforts are underway to ensure a consistent water supply for the state and the city of Monterrey. The government is working on shallow and deep wells, pressure modulation, and constructing a dam to avoid a repeat of the water crisis that occurred in 2022.
Lopez Obrador had expressed concerns about Tesla’s plan to produce electric vehicles in Nuevo Leon due to a water shortage in the state. He stated that there are already areas in Mexico where water is scarce and that Nuevo Leon is one of them.
However, last week, the governor of Nuevo Leon, Samuel Garcia, announced that Tesla would soon announce its arrival in the state, which borders Texas and is the country’s industrial hub. The Mexican President responded by saying that there needs to be a national plan in place.
The federal government is also considering Hidalgo as another option for Tesla’s plant, near the Felipe Angeles International Airport, inaugurated last year. Another proposal is the southeast region of Mexico, a priority for the government.
Eduardo Gaona, a coordinator of Movimiento Ciudadano Party in Nuevo Leon, which the governor belongs to, stated that there are many factors to consider when a company decides to invest, not just water availability. He confirmed that Nuevo Leon has the necessary water resources, a qualified workforce, and a favourable geographical location to attract companies like Tesla.
Carlos de la Fuente, a coordinator of the National Action Party, stated that he is still determining the amount of water required for a plant like Tesla. He also expressed confusion about Lopez Obrador’s statement that Nuevo Leon has no water, as the governor recently said that bringing Tesla to the state would be fine. De la Fuente commented that the governor’s announcement of Tesla’s arrival in Nuevo Leon might be a fantasy.
Despite the differing opinions on water availability in Nuevo Leon, it is clear that the state is making efforts to ensure enough water for both the residents and potential investors. The arrival of Tesla in the state would bring significant economic benefits and job opportunities, making it a desirable location for the company.
The Mexican government and the state of Nuevo Leon will have to work together to find a solution that balances the needs of the residents, the environment, and the potential benefits that an investment like Tesla would bring. Ultimately, the decision will come down to what is best for the people of Nuevo Leon and the country as a whole.
In the meantime, the discussions and debates on the water situation in Nuevo Leon will continue, and the state will likely continue to take steps to ensure enough water for its residents and potential investors.
