With this new law, New Jersey has made an aggressive move to address the environmental menace that is perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Together, they have negotiated a historic settlement with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva. The deal is valued at $875 million and is 25 years long. It would begin to address the remediation of the pervasive contamination of our air, water, and soil that these chemicals are causing. This settlement marks the largest of its kind in the state’s history, according to Shawn LaTourette, the State Environmental Commissioner.
The deal does create a remediation fund, potentially as large as $1.2 billion. This new fund would support projects that cleanup places poisoned by PFAS contamination. For decades, food waste has been an urgent environmental priority. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are notorious for their persistence in the environment and human body, raising significant health concerns.
The foundation of the settlement comes after a landmark $10.3 billion agreement with 3M. The company also recently reached a deal worth up to $450 million to resolve lawsuits related to natural resource damage from PFAS contamination. Only a couple months prior to this new agreement, New Jersey reached a settlement with 3M. This is further evidence of the state’s bold, proactive approach to combat the epidemic and often devastating effects of toxic materials.
Chemical manufacturers such as 3M and Chemours developed PFAS intentionally due to their special characteristics. These characteristics rendered PFAS extremely desirable for a variety of commercial uses. Regardless of the reasons for it, the ubiquitous use of these chemicals have leaked into air, water, and soil. As a result, this issue has led to increased condemnation and litigation against the manufacturers who create these products.
The state government is serious about using these settlements to address PFAS pollution. This continuing initiative reflects a stronger understanding of the necessity of holding manufacturers responsible. These agreements will bring in dollars that are key to addressing this contamination. In addition, they will move to restore ecosystems that have been damaged.
