THE WHAT? A coalition of 22 states and U.S. territories, including California, Texas, and New York, oppose a proposed $10.3 billion settlement with 3M Co, stating it doesn’t adequately penalize the company for its role in water pollution linked to “forever chemicals.”

THE DETAILS? The group, spearheaded by California, lodged a motion to block the settlement approval in a South Carolina federal court. The lawsuits against 3M and others are centred around the contamination from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent chemicals used widely in various products.

THE WHY? Despite the proposed settlement offering funds for testing and treating PFAS contamination over 13 years, the states argue it falls short of redressing the harms caused by the chemicals. PFAS, present in items from non-stick cookware to cosmetics, have been associated with cancers, hormonal dysfunction, and environmental damage.