Latest news with #Platkin
American Military News
20-05-2025
- Health
- American Military News
3M will pay New Jersey $450M over PFAS contamination
Global chemical manufacturer 3M has agreed to pay New Jersey $450 million over pollution by 'forever chemicals' rather than proceed to a trial set to start next week, state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Tuesday. Platkin said it is the largest settlement regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — known as PFAS — in the state's history. PFAS are known by many as 'forever chemicals' because of their ability to remain in the environment and human body without breaking down. PFAS are widely used and may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A federal trial is scheduled to start Monday against DuPont and its spinoff company, Chemours, in a related PFAS case filed by New Jersey. Platkin said it will be the first trial of its kind in the U.S. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has filed suit against 3M and other companies, including DuPont, for contamination at DuPont Chambers Works sites in Pennsville and Carney's Point in Salem County. Although Minnesota-based 3M did not operate any facilities in New Jersey, it supplied around 85% of a type of PFAS known as PFOA. 'We allege that 3M knew of the harms of PFAS, knew that it didn't break down, knew that it accumulated in water and soil and bodies, and knew that it was harmful,' Platkin said, 'And yet 3M continued to sell as much PFAS as it could.' In a news release, 3M called the agreement 'another important step toward reducing risk and uncertainty on these legacy issues.' It said the agreement is not an admission. What are PFAS? PFAS are a group of human-made chemical compounds used for decades to make firefighting foam, stain-resistant clothing, and food packaging. They have been linked to low infant birth weights, effects on the immune system, cancer, and hormone disruption. PFAS can accumulate in the body and remain for long periods. Platkin said 3M made a firefighting foam that contained PFAS and was used in military facilities, firefighter training academies, state government, and local fire departments across the state. 'They sold these dangerous chemicals to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line to protect us, putting these heroes in harm's way and prioritizing their own profits over their healthy cities,' Platkin said. 'We're pleased today to announce a settlement that begins to right some of these terrible wrongs in the settlement announced today,' Platkin said. Under the settlement, 3M will pay up to $450 million over the next 25 years. Up to $275 million of that would be paid in the first four years. The money will go into site cleanup, a statewide fund for PFAS contamination, and to address natural resource damages. The company said it stopped supplying PFAS to DuPont's Salem County site in 2001. In 2020, it announced that it was getting out of making two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS. It has pledged to stop making any PFAS by the end of this year. It posted an FAQ on the agreement. PFAS trial set to begin Monday Meanwhile, Platkin said the state's 2019 civil suit against DuPont and other companies that have not agreed to a settlement is scheduled to start Monday. 'It will be the first trial in the country for environmental PFAS liability to a state,' Platkin said. 'We're putting New Jersey clearly at the front of the line when it comes to remediating harms related to these forever chemicals.' The state filed suit against E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (now known as EIDP Inc.), the Chemours Co., Corteva Inc., and DuPont de Nemours. The trial is scheduled for U.S. District Court in Camden. The New York-based law firm Kelley Drye & Warren represented New Jersey in the 3M settlement, and in the current case against the other chemical companies. William Jackson, an environmental attorney with Kelley Drye, called the settlement and forthcoming trial 'landmark matters.' Tuesday was not the first time New Jersey had reached a large settlement with a company over PFAS. In 2023, state officials announced a $393 million settlement with chemical maker Solvay Specialty Polymers to clean up various locations across 37 square miles contaminated by 'forever chemicals' in Gloucester and Camden Counties. The state had accused Solvay, which has a plant just off the Delaware River in West Deptford, Gloucester County, with contaminating drinking water and causing other pollution linked to toxic compounds once produced at the plant. 'Better living through chemistry' During Tuesday's announcement, DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said manufacturers of PFAS 'knew just how poisonous these substances were' when they were released into New Jersey's environment. 'It's better living through chemistry — until it isn't,' LaTourette said. He noted that 3M has been moving away from PFAS. 'We begrudge no innovator their creativity or the ability to profit from their ideas and their creations, but we do ask that they innovate safely and with care for the people and the communities,' LaTourette said. ___ © 2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
3M to pay NJ $450 million over PFAS water contamination including Sayreville site
New Jersey has reached a historic settlement of up to $450 million with 3M over 'forever chemicals' contaminating state water supplies, including a site in Sayreville. The settlement announced May 13 by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette is the largest statewide PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) settlement in New Jersey history. The settlement resolves lawsuits dating to 2019 over the Chambers Works site in Pennsville and Carneys Point, Salem County and the Parlin site in Sayreville. 'Corporate polluters must be held accountable when they contaminate our state's water supply," Platkin stated. "For decades, 3M knew that their PFAS chemicals were forever contaminating the New Jersey environment. But they continued to pollute the environment and escape accountability. That ends now.' Platkin said New Jersey has some of the highest levels of PFAS in the country. 'Today's settlement marks the latest chapter in our office's efforts to combat PFAS contamination and protect access to clean water, he said. 'We look forward to pursuing everyone else who had a role in contaminating New Jersey with PFAS.' PFAS are a broad class of chemicals used in nonstick, water- and grease-resistant products such as clothing and cookware. More: Middlesex County native pens book on forever chemicals and their birth in New Jersey PFAS are referred to as 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down and last in the environment for years. Long-term exposure has been associated with health problems related to cholesterol levels, liver, kidney, immune system, the reproductive system in men, as well as developmental delays in infants and children. The settlement also resolves the state's claims against 3M in litigation over PFAS in the firefighting material known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). 'The makers of PFAS forever chemicals knew how poisonous these substances were, yet they produced and thoughtlessly released them into New Jersey's environment anyway,' LaTourette stated. 'This historic settlement marks another step toward holding polluters accountable for dangerous PFAS contamination that has wrought havoc on our water supplies, injured our natural resources, and threatened the public health. The damages we recover from 3M will help fund New Jersey's nation-leading PFAS abatement efforts.' The settlement outlines a payment schedule over 25 years, with a total value of up to $450 million. Email: sloyer@ Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on 3M to pay NJ $450M over PFAS water contamination including Sayreville
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Jersey says chemical maker 3M agrees to 'forever chemical' settlement worth up to $450M
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's attorney general said Tuesday chemical manufacturer 3M agreed to pay up $450 million to resolve lawsuits over natural resource contamination stemming from PFAS — commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals.' The settlement is subject to court approval and a public comment period, Attorney General Matt Platkin's office said. St. Paul, Minnesota-based 3M is expected to pay $285 million this year, with additional amounts payable over the next 25 years. The total amount could reach $450 million, Platkin's office said. 'Corporate polluters must be held accountable when they contaminate our state's water supply," Platkin said in a statement. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nation's air, water and soil. 3M said in 2022 it would end all PFAS manufacturing by the end of this year. In a statement, the company said it's on track to do so. 'This agreement is another important step toward reducing risk and uncertainty on these legacy issues, allowing 3M to focus on its strategic priorities,' 3M said. PFAS were manufactured by companies such as 3M, Chemours and others because they were incredibly useful. They helped eggs slide across non-stick frying pans, ensured that firefighting foam suffocates flames and helped clothes withstand rain and keep people dry. The chemicals resist breaking down, though, meaning they linger in the environment. Environmental activists say PFAS makers knew about the health harms of PFAS long before they were made public. The same attributes that make the chemicals so valuable – resistance to breakdown – make them hazardous to people. PFAS accumulate in the body, which is why the Environmental Protection Agency set their limits for drinking water at 4 parts per trillion for two common types — PFOA and PFOS — that are phased out of manufacturing but still are present in the environment. The New Jersey settlement stems from 2019 lawsuits at the nearly 1,500-acre (607-hectare) Chambers Works site in Pennsville and Carneys Point and another location in Parlin. The settlement also resolves all other statewide claims in litigation over PFAS in firefighting material used in the state. The lawsuits alleged the companies involved, including 3M, knew about risks from forever chemicals produced at the facilities but continued to sell them. The attorney general said that by agreeing to settle 3M would not go to trial next week in the Chambers Works case. New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection will use a portion of the settlement funds to 'protect public health, safety and the environment from impacts caused by PFAS,' according to a joint statement from the attorney general and DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette.
Winnipeg Free Press
13-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
New Jersey says chemical maker 3M agrees to ‘forever chemical' settlement worth up to $450M
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's attorney general said Tuesday chemical manufacturer 3M agreed to pay up $450 million to resolve lawsuits over natural resource contamination stemming from PFAS — commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals.' The settlement is subject to court approval and a public comment period, Attorney General Matt Platkin's office said. St. Paul, Minnesota-based 3M is expected to pay $285 million this year, with additional amounts payable over the next 25 years. The total amount could reach $450 million, Platkin's office said. 'Corporate polluters must be held accountable when they contaminate our state's water supply,' Platkin said in a statement. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nation's air, water and soil. 3M said in 2022 it would end all PFAS manufacturing by the end of this year. In a statement, the company said it's on track to do so. 'This agreement is another important step toward reducing risk and uncertainty on these legacy issues, allowing 3M to focus on its strategic priorities,' 3M said. PFAS were manufactured by companies such as 3M, Chemours and others because they were incredibly useful. They helped eggs slide across non-stick frying pans, ensured that firefighting foam suffocates flames and helped clothes withstand rain and keep people dry. The chemicals resist breaking down, though, meaning they linger in the environment. Environmental activists say PFAS makers knew about the health harms of PFAS long before they were made public. The same attributes that make the chemicals so valuable – resistance to breakdown – make them hazardous to people. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. PFAS accumulate in the body, which is why the Environmental Protection Agency set their limits for drinking water at 4 parts per trillion for two common types — PFOA and PFOS — that are phased out of manufacturing but still are present in the environment. The New Jersey settlement stems from 2019 lawsuits at the nearly 1,500-acre (607-hectare) Chambers Works site in Pennsville and Carneys Point and another location in Parlin. The settlement also resolves all other statewide claims in litigation over PFAS in firefighting material used in the state. The lawsuits alleged the companies involved, including 3M, knew about risks from forever chemicals produced at the facilities but continued to sell them. The attorney general said that by agreeing to settle 3M would not go to trial next week in the Chambers Works case. New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection will use a portion of the settlement funds to 'protect public health, safety and the environment from impacts caused by PFAS,' according to a joint statement from the attorney general and DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Jersey sues RealPage, 10 landlords
This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the state's Division of Consumer Affairs have sued RealPage and 10 of the largest landlords operating in the state. In the suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey last Wednesday, Platkin alleges that the Richardson, Texas-based software company and the apartment operators engaged in multiple violations of the federal Sherman Act, the New Jersey Antitrust Act and the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. Echoing other suits against RealPage, New Jersey accused the company and landlords of colluding to set rents for apartments statewide based on the company's algorithmic pricing software and to exchange sensitive, non-public information to align their prices and avoid competition that would otherwise keep rent prices down. In the process, the plaintiffs alleged thousands of New Jerseyans have overpaid for rent. The attorney general said renters throughout the state, which has some of the highest rental costs in the country, face a highly concentrated market, where individual landlords control thousands of apartments. 'The defendants in this case unlawfully lined their pockets at the expense of New Jersey renters who struggled to pay the increasingly unlivable price levels imposed by this cartel,' Platkin said in a news release. 'Today we're holding them accountable for unlawful conduct that fueled the state's affordable housing crisis and deprived New Jerseyans of their fundamental right to shelter.' The complaint names the following companies: Aion Management AvalonBay Communities Bozzuto Cammeby's Management Co. of New Jersey Greystar Kamson Corp. LeFrak Estates and its subsidiary, Realty Operations Group Morgan Properties Russo Property Management Veris Residential The complaint also references additional New Jersey landlords as unnamed co-conspirators. The state said that additional defendants may be named. New Jersey's complaint alleges that the RealPage software is anticompetitive because it restricts price reductions and facilitates collective action to raise rents. It states that RealPage enforces adherence to its recommendations through automatic price acceptance, compliance tracking, 'secret shop' tests and direct oversight by RealPage employees to ensure landlords stay in line. If landlords deviate from RealPage's recommendations, they risk corrective actions from RealPage and from their peers using the system, according to the complaint. The suit also accuses the landlords of collaborating outside of the property management system by sharing sensitive, real-time data on occupancy rates, leasing activity, concessions and pricing strategies. It alleges that they coordinated tactics through user groups, secret shops and industry meetings. The lawsuit seeks several remedies, including: An injunction to stop the defendants from engaging in what the Attorney General's office calls anticompetitive and consumer fraud practices. The appointment of a corporate monitor — at the defendants' expense — to ensure implementation of all structural or practice remedies ordered by the court and not to engage in further unlawful conduct. Equitable relief, civil penalties and damages, and the disgorgement of any profits generated in New Jersey through unlawful behavior. None of the landlords named in the lawsuit responded to Multifamily Dive's request for comment on the case. RealPage Senior Vice President of Communications and Creative Jennifer Bowcock said Platkin was recycling inaccuracies of predecessor cases to blame RealPage for the state's housing affordability challenges. 'Today's action against RealPage was a surprise, as there were no efforts by them to engage with RealPage prior to filing the lawsuit, further underscoring the problem with this process and the politics in play,' Bowcock said. Bowcock said RealPage's revenue management software was built to be legally compliant and has always used data legally and responsibly. 'RealPage's revenue management software helps housing providers comply with Fair Housing laws, rent control laws and state of emergency price gouging laws, and does not use any personal or demographic data to generate rent price recommendations,' she said. Click here to sign up to receive multifamily and apartment news like this article in your inbox every weekday. Sign in to access your portfolio
