New Jersey has reached a historic $450 million settlement with chemical manufacturing giant 3M regarding allegations of environmental contamination from PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” The agreement, announced by the state Attorney General’s office on May 13, resolves multiple lawsuits filed against the company in 2019.
The settlement payments will be distributed over 25 years, with approximately $275 million to $325 million scheduled for disbursement between 2026 and 2034. The remaining funds will be paid out from 2035 through 2050.
The legal disputes originated from three separate complaints filed in 2019. The first concerned environmental damage at the Chambers Works site in Pennsville and Carneys Point, Salem County. A second lawsuit addressed similar issues at 3M’s Parlin facility in Sayreville, Middlesex County. The third legal action targeted 3M and other manufacturers for alleged violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act related to products containing or breaking down into PFAS chemicals.
PFAS, which are utilized in various household items, industrial products, furniture, and fabric, have earned their “forever chemicals” moniker due to their persistence in the environment. These substances have been detected in drinking water systems, food packaging, and livestock, raising significant health concerns. Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to various health issues, including cancer, endocrine disruption, developmental problems in fetuses, and adverse effects on reproductive and immune systems.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin emphasized the
significance of the settlement, stating that 3M had knowledge of their PFAS chemicals contaminating New Jersey’s environment for decades but continued their practices without accepting responsibility. The agreement also addresses 3M’s liability related to a statewide PFAS directive issued by New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection in 2019.
3M has confirmed its commitment to cease all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025 and reports being on schedule to meet this goal. The company acknowledged the settlement as a crucial step toward addressing legacy issues and allowing focus on strategic priorities.
This agreement follows other significant PFAS-related settlements by 3M, including a $10.3 billion agreement reached in June 2023 with multiple public drinking water systems, to be paid over 13 years. The company also faces legal challenges in other states, including a December lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging consumer deception regarding PFAS safety.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced initiatives to combat PFAS contamination. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin outlined plans to establish liability frameworks ensuring polluter accountability and create limitations for PFAS manufacturers. The agency aims to advance research and testing while preventing PFAS from contaminating drinking water systems.
New Jersey’s settlement represents the largest statewide PFAS agreement in the state’s history, addressing a significant
environmental concern. The state reportedly has some of the highest PFAS levels nationwide and has been at the forefront of legal actions against corporate polluters affecting drinking water quality and community health.
The comprehensive settlement demonstrates increasing accountability for environmental contamination and represents a significant step toward addressing the persistent challenge of PFAS pollution in New Jersey’s natural resources.