In a recent turn of events, Hawaiian Attorney General Anne Lopez has joined a bipartisan coalition of 22 attorneys general in opposing a proposed class action settlement. This settlement, put forward by the 3M Company, is under scrutiny due to its alleged inadequacy in holding the company accountable for contaminating the American drinking water supply.
3M Is Under Fire
The 3M Company, a multinational conglomerate corporation, is facing hundreds of lawsuits over its use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances, also known as “forever chemicals”, are used in a wide range of consumer products and firefighting foams. PFAS are environmentally stable, resistant to degradation, persistent in soil, and known to leach into groundwater.
The health implications of PFAS are severe. As stated by First Deputy Attorney General Matt Dvonch, “PFAS compounds are linked to a number of extremely serious health conditions, including cancer.” The Department of the Attorney General is committed to ensuring that those who cause damage to our natural resources are held fully accountable. However, the proposed settlement by 3M is seen as falling far short of this commitment.
This Lawsuit May Impact Nearly Every American, Including Hawaiians
The proposed settlement would apply to nearly every public water provider in the United States. This includes those that have not sued and even those that have yet to test for the presence of PFAS in their water. In return for waiving their claims, 3M would purportedly pay out $10.5 to $12.5 billion to water providers. However, certain provisions could ultimately force water providers to reimburse 3M for many costs, reducing the actual value of the settlement.
The coalition led by California warns that individual water providers would be bound by the proposed settlement unless they proactively opt out. This decision must be made without knowing the extent of contamination in their water supplies and the cost of remediating it. Furthermore, the proposed settlement contains an indemnification clause, which shifts liability from 3M to water suppliers. This could lead to situations where 3M seeks compensation from the community’s public water supplier for any amount it owed to the victims of PFAS-related health issues.
22 Attorney Generals Have Signed On
Joining Attorney General Lopez in opposing the proposed settlement are the attorneys general of numerous states and territories. This united front highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for a more equitable solution.
The proposed PFAS settlement by 3M is under intense scrutiny. The bipartisan coalition led by Attorney General Lopez is committed to ensuring that companies like 3M are held accountable for their actions. The fight for clean drinking water and a safe environment continues, and we will keep you updated on the developments in this case.
Scott Sweeney is the creator of Virtual Hawaii 360. Scott is a professional marketer and a lifelong Hawaii enthusiast. Scott splits time between Oahu and Dayton, Ohio. In addition to his marketing endevours, he is also a published Ukulele musician.
