The State of Tennessee has initiated a lawsuit against major per- and polyfluoroalkyl manufacturers. Other states including California, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Rhode Island have taken similar actions. The lawsuit, which tackles aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used by firefighters, airports, the military, and other industrial facilities, alleges that AFFF manufacturers knowingly concealed that such products would release harmful PFAS. In addition to non-transparency, Tennessee claims that certain manufacturers took active measures to protect against PFAS liability by fraudulently transferring their assets.
To ensure manufacturers are held accountable for the harms caused to Tennessee’s constituents and natural resources, the state is requesting both compensatory damages and injunctive relief. If awarded, these remedies would put a stop to further contamination and make manufacturers financially liable for the remediation projects necessary to correct their alleged wrongdoing.
