The fight for statewide compensation for harm caused by PFAS forever chemicals

Per- and polyfluorinatedalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, can lead to health complications, according to the CDC, including impacts to reproduction, thyroid function, the immune system, and growth and development. The State of Colorado led a lawsuit in February of 2022 seeking compensation from PFAS manufacturers.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for harm to Colorado’s residents, lands, natural resources, including water supplies.

What to know about the lawsuit:

  • Colorado’s lawsuit includes water providers and local governments that were impacted by PFAS contamination. These entities do not need to file their own suits to be eligible to share in funds recovered by the State for PFAS-related damages.
  • Funds recovered through Colorado’s lawsuit are expected to be used to address PFAS contamination statewide, and to go to communities needing assistance to clean up PFAS contamination.
  • Water providers and local governments can share information on the impacts of PFAS on their area’s natural resources and operations with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. If you are a water provider or local government and are interested in providing information, email pfas@coag.gov.
  • The attorney general’s office will work collaboratively with stakeholders across the state to equitably distribute funds recovered in Colorado’s lawsuit.
  • The office will work with other states to achieve best negotiated outcomes for Colorado, when feasible.

What Colorado aims to recover and to accomplish through this lawsuit:

  • Recover money to help with testing, cleanup, and monitoring of:
    • The state’s drinking water;
    • The state’s fish, wildlife, soil, and other natural resources; and
    • PFAS contamination at and around sites in Colorado where PFAS-containing firefighting foam was used, handled, released, spilled, transported, stored, and/or disposed.
  • Recover money to mitigate damage to Colorado’s property.
  • Respond to injuries to Coloradans’ public health, safety, and welfare.
  • Implement requirements that will prevent future PFAS contamination.
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