North Carolina is facing significant environmental challenges as state leaders push back against a proposed settlement involving Chemours, a chemical company accused of polluting the state’s natural resources. The joint efforts by Governor Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and Secretary of Environmental Quality Reid Wilson are aimed at ensuring the state’s interests are protected in the face of federal agreements that may fall short.
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggested a settlement with Chemours to address federal claims related to PFAS contamination across three states, including North Carolina. However, the proposed resolution lacks financial commitments for the state, raising concerns about its effectiveness in addressing local environmental damages. Governor Stein and Attorney General Jackson have publicly denounced the deal, emphasizing the need for improvements beyond existing agreements secured by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) nearly ten years ago.
Governor Stein stated, “For decades, Chemours knowingly contaminated North Carolina’s air and water by discharging PFAS from its Fayetteville plant into the Cape Fear River. Now, Chemours is cutting a settlement deal with the federal government that does next to nothing for North Carolinians and at the same time, is trying to evade the North Carolina Department of Justice’s lawsuit so it can avoid repaying the state for the damage it inflicted.”
The state’s leaders have been proactive in addressing these issues. In 2017, NCDEQ initiated legal actions against Chemours, resulting in measures that required the company to clean up its pollution, provide clean drinking water to affected private well owners, and significantly reduce its PFAS emissions. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) pursued further claims against Chemours, including damages for natural resources and fraud. A recent court decision in August 2025 denied Chemours’ attempt to dismiss these claims.
Beyond the legal battle with Chemours, Governor Stein has taken a broader approach against PFAS manufacturers across the state. This year, he called on the U.S. Senate to pass the National Defense Authorization Act to enhance protections against PFAS exposure.
In a move to further combat these environmental issues, North Carolina’s new state budget, approved by Governor Stein, includes $45 million for an Emerging Contaminants Mitigation Fund. This fund aims to prevent, test, and treat PFAS and similar pollutants. Additionally, $10 million is allocated to DEQ’s Bernard Allen Emergency Drinking Water Fund to test and treat private well water and offer alternative drinking water sources.
For more detailed information on the state’s actions, you can read the joint comments submitted by Governor Stein, Secretary Wilson, and Attorney General Jackson. The amicus brief filed by Governor Stein and NCDEQ is also available for review.
Read More Here
