DuPont, Chemours, Corteva and 3M Settle New Jersey PFAS Lawsuits for Over $2.5 Billion

DuPont, Chemours, Corteva and 3M Settle New Jersey PFAS Lawsuits for Over $2.5 Billion

NEW JERSEY, Aug. 8 (VoM News): A U.S. federal judge has approved more than $2.5 billion in settlements between the state of New Jersey and chemical manufacturers DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and 3M to resolve claims over contamination caused by PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals” as Reuters Reported.

Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb of the U.S. District Court in New Jersey ruled on Friday that the agreements were fair, reasonable, and served the public interest. She described the settlements as an “impressive windfall” for the state, considering the uncertainties of prolonged litigation.

Under the agreement, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva will pay $875 million over 25 years, fund the cleanup of four former industrial sites, and establish a $1.2 billion environmental remediation fund.

Meanwhile, 3M will pay between $400 million and $450 million over the same period to settle claims related to PFAS contamination of drinking water.

In addition, DuPont and Corteva will create a $475 million financial reserve to ensure cleanup of the four contaminated sites even if the companies become insolvent or fail to meet their obligations. Chemours and Corteva were previously part of DuPont before being spun off into separate companies.

Judge Bumb rejected objections from Carneys Point Township and the Borough of Sayreville, which argued that New Jersey lacked the authority to settle claims on behalf of individual municipalities.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widely used in consumer and industrial products such as non-stick cookware, cosmetics, and stain-resistant fabrics. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and the human body for long periods.

Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to several health risks, including elevated cholesterol levels, low birth weight, reduced immune response to vaccines, and increased risks of kidney and testicular cancers.

The companies continue to face additional PFAS-related lawsuits across the United States, including a case filed last month by New York Attorney General Letitia James.