New Jersey's $2.5 Billion PFAS Settlements With Chemical Giants Get Court Nod

A federal judge has given final approval to New Jersey's more than $2.5 billion in settlements with major chemical manufacturers over pollution linked to PFAS, the compounds commonly known as "forever chemicals."

Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb of the U.S. District Court in New Jersey ruled on Friday that the agreements, reached last year, were fair, reasonable and in the public interest. She described the total value as an "impressive windfall" for the state, considering the uncertainties of litigation.

Under the terms, DuPont, Chemours and Corteva will collectively pay $875 million over 25 years to cover natural resource damages and other costs. The companies will also fund a $1.2 billion remediation program and clean up four former industrial sites. Additionally, DuPont and Corteva will set aside a $475 million reserve to guarantee cleanup work continues even if the firms face bankruptcy or fail to meet their obligations.

3M, which said it exited all PFAS manufacturing last year, will pay between $400 million and $450 million over the same period to resolve claims tied to drinking water contamination.

Judge Bumb overruled objections from Carneys Point Township and the Borough of Sayreville, which argued that the state lacked the authority to settle claims that belonged to individual municipalities. The judge cited an 1818 speech by President James Madison, emphasizing the need for faithful guardianship of the nation's "soil and climate."

PFAS are used in hundreds of consumer and commercial products, including non-stick pans, cosmetics and stain-resistant clothing. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Exposure has been linked to higher cholesterol, low birth weight, reduced vaccine response and certain cancers.

The companies still face other litigation over PFAS, including a lawsuit filed last month by New York's attorney general.