NC Attorney General calls proposed Chemours PFAS settlement ‘an insult,’ urges public to speak out
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is pushing back against a proposed settlement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Chemours, calling the agreement inadequate and urging residents to weigh in before it is finalized.
The proposed settlement stems from allegations that Chemours discharged PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” into the Cape Fear River, contaminating drinking water supplies across southeastern North Carolina.
The agreement includes funding for drinking water projects, long-term environmental cleanup efforts, new limits on future PFAS releases, and a $22.5 million civil penalty.
However, Jackson said the proposal fails to hold Chemours sufficiently accountable for years of pollution that have affected communities throughout the region.
“Basically, the EPA sold us out,” Jackson told WWAY. “We wanted them to fight for us, and the deal that they struck is barely a slap on the wrist for Chemours, despite all of the water pollution that they are responsible for. And so what we’re telling the judge in the case is, don’t accept that deal.”
Concerns over PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River have persisted for nearly a decade, prompting widespread concern from residents, local officials and state leaders. Governor Josh Stein has also publicly criticized the proposed settlement, arguing it does not go far enough to protect North Carolinians.
Jackson said he and his office were not informed about the agreement before it was announced and plan to formally object to the settlement in court.
He is also encouraging members of the public who are concerned about the proposal to submit comments before the court considers approving the agreement.
Public comments can be submitted email at pubcomment-ees.enrd@usdoj.gov while the comment period remains open.
The proposed settlement must still be reviewed and approved by a federal judge before it can take effect.
