Judge Approves $2.5 Billion PFAS Settlement for New Jersey

Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb of the New Jersey federal court approved settlements totaling more than $2.5 billion to resolve claims against DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and 3M regarding PFAS, known as forever chemicals, pollution.

Under the terms, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva will pay $875 million over 25 years for natural resource damages and establish a $1.2 billion remediation fund to clean up four industrial sites. DuPont and Corteva will also provide a $475 million reserve to guarantee the cleanup. Separately, 3M will pay between $400 million and $450 million over 25 years to settle drinking water contamination claims.

Judge Bumb described the settlement as an impressive windfall and overruled objections from Carneys Point Township and the Borough of Sayreville, who argued the state lacked the authority to resolve municipal claims. Despite this ruling, the involved companies continue to face other PFAS-related litigation, including a recent lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James.