Activists are calling on New York officials to suspend the lease extension with Tesla.

**BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Community leaders are urging New York State to reconsider the extension of Tesla’s lease at the South Buffalo Gigafactory.** Critics have long labeled the factory's partnership with the state as “wasteful” and are now pushing for the exploration of alternative companies to utilize the South Park Avenue facility effectively. “They are neglecting the serious concerns raised by local advocates,” stated Andrea Ó Súilleabháin, the executive director of the Partnership for the Public Good (PPG). Currently, the state is deliberating an extension of Tesla’s lease, which would allow the company to remain at the publicly-funded factory from 2029 until 2034. According to PPG, the facility, which is financed by taxpayer money, is not meeting the anticipated outcomes. “Let’s find out if another company can deliver better results. Can they create more jobs, offer higher-quality positions, and do so with less environmental impact and community harm? Is there a more dependable partner out there?” questioned Sam Magavern, senior policy fellow at PPG. Presently, the site employs approximately 2,000 full-time workers, a decrease after significant layoffs last year. Advocacy groups are insisting that any new lease should set higher job creation targets, ensure better wages and benefits, recognize unions, and strengthen workplace protections. “There have been multiple reports of racial harassment, subpar working conditions, and workers feeling like they're treated as machines rather than human beings,” added Magavern. State Assemblymember Pat Burke shared these sentiments, suggesting that the state should allow fair competition to determine which company can provide the best quality jobs and public benefits. “Everyone is distancing themselves from Tesla—investors are jumping ship. Why would New York State opt for a sweetheart deal with a company that’s struggling? It just doesn’t add up,” Burke remarked. In a statement to WIVB News 4 on Monday evening, State Senator April Baskin criticized the existing arrangement, pointing out that the plant contributes $0 in property taxes while offering jobs that lack career advancement opportunities, all within a labor environment that isn’t supportive of workers. She called for a reassessment to ensure a better economic and environmental return on this public investment. Further concerns have surfaced regarding Tesla’s reported intentions to construct an AI supercomputer at the site, raising alarms among environmentalists about potential repercussions. “The extensive energy requirements could lead to increased stress on the electrical grid, higher emissions, and threats to ecosystems, water supplies, and public health. These are significant concerns for us,” stated Chris Murawski, executive director of the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York. The backlash has also sparked discussions about the fate of current employees if Tesla were to exit the facility. News 4 has reached out to both Tesla and Governor Kathy Hochul’s office for further comments.