In a landmark move towards environmental accountability, Tyco Fire Products, a subsidiary of Johnson Controls, has reached a monumental $750 million settlement with public water systems across the nation grappling with the ramifications of “forever chemicals.”

This settlement comes as a result of extensive litigation and negotiations led by a coalition of law firms, including Taft Environmental Law and Napoli Shkolnik , spanning over a decade. These efforts aim to secure justice for communities affected by PFAS contamination, a pervasive issue threatening the safety of drinking water supplies.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly found in firefighting foam, have been linked to a range of health concerns and environmental damage. Tyco Fire Products, with its production facility in northeast Wisconsin, has been at the center of this controversy due to its use of PFAS in manufacturing firefighting foam.

The $750 million settlement will be distributed among the cities that have filed lawsuits to remediate PFAS contamination, providing much-needed financial support for water systems struggling to address this pressing issue. Importantly, the settlement is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, but rather a significant step towards mitigating the impact of PFAS on public health and the environment.

Gary Douglas of Douglas & London, lead trial counsel for plaintiffs in the AFFF MDL, emphasized the importance of this settlement in securing funding to remove PFAS from drinking water systems serving millions of Americans. Similarly, Taft Partner Rob Bilott highlighted the historic nature of the agreement, underscoring the responsibility of corporations to bear the cost of addressing PFAS contamination.

The Tyco settlement follows in the footsteps of similar agreements with industry giants DuPont Water Solutions and 3M, totaling over $13.5 billion for U.S. drinking water providers. With more than a dozen defendants still embroiled in multidistrict litigation, including BASF and Buckeye, discussions surrounding accountability and compensation remain ongoing.

This settlement also coincides with significant regulatory action by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , which recently established a new national drinking water standard to reduce exposure to PFAS. These combined efforts signal a collective commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment from the harmful effects of PFAS contamination.

The Tyco Fire Products settlement represents a pivotal moment in the fight against PFAS contamination, setting a precedent for corporate accountability and providing hope for communities affected by environmental injustices. As we navigate the challenges posed by environmental pollutants, collaboration between stakeholders, including government agencies, legal advocates, and corporations, will be crucial in achieving lasting solutions for a safer and healthier future.