States across the United States are actively suing over PFAS contamination, reflecting a nationwide legal and environmental battle against these persistent chemicals. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Their widespread use in industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products has led to extensive contamination of water supplies, soil, and ecosystems, prompting numerous states and local governments to take legal action against manufacturers.
The scale of litigation is massive and growing. As of 2025, there are thousands of active lawsuits consolidated in federal courts, many grouped into multidistrict litigations (MDLs) that focus on specific types of PFAS contamination, such as those related to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used by military bases and firefighting units. These lawsuits target major chemical companies like 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva, accusing them of knowingly producing and distributing PFAS chemicals despite their harmful environmental and health effects.
Several states have been particularly aggressive in pursuing legal remedies. New Jersey stands out as a national leader in this fight. The state was among the first to detect PFAS contamination in its water systems and to propose strict enforceable drinking water standards for these chemicals. New Jersey has filed multiple lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers, resulting in historic settlements. For example, in 2025, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to a $2 billion settlement with New Jersey, which includes funds for environmental remediation and damage payments spread over 25 years. Similarly, 3M agreed to pay $450 million to the state to address contamination linked to industrial sites. These settlements are among the largest environmental agreements ever reached by a single state and reflect the severity of the contamination problem.
Other states and municipalities have also filed lawsuits or joined ongoing litigation. For instance, the city of Fort Worth sued 3M and DuPont over PFAS contamination in its drinking water. Santa Clara County in California has taken similar legal steps, alleging that PFAS-containing firefighting foam seeped into groundwater. These cases highlight that PFAS contamination is not isolated but widespread, affecting diverse regions and communities across the country.
The legal actions are not only about compensation but also about forcing manufacturers to take responsibility for cleanup and prevention. The settlements often include provisions for creating remediation funds dedicated to cleaning contaminated sites, monitoring water quality, and funding healt
