NC Governor Criticizes EPA Settlement with Chemours Over PFAS Contamination
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is criticizing a proposed settlement between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Chemours regarding PFAS contamination in the state, arguing that the agreement fails to adequately address the damages caused by the company.
Raleigh Durham, NC, July 30, 2026 —
RALEIGH, NC – North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has voiced strong criticism regarding a proposed settlement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The Chemours Company, asserting that the agreement does not sufficiently address the extensive damages resulting from PFAS contamination in the state.
The settlement, which is still under consideration, is intended to resolve issues related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination linked to Chemours’ operations. However, Governor Cooper contends that the proposed terms fall short of the necessary measures to rectify the environmental and health impacts on North Carolina communities.
Details regarding the specific terms of the proposed settlement and the extent of the damages that Governor Cooper believes are inadequately addressed were not provided in the available information.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made chemicals that include PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and others. They are found in numerous industrial and consumer products, and their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have raised significant concerns among state and federal regulators, as well as the public. Communities near industrial sites that have released these chemicals have often faced challenges with contaminated drinking water supplies.
The Governor’s office has indicated that North Carolina requires a more robust commitment from Chemours to clean up existing contamination and prevent future pollution. The criticism highlights a potential point of contention between state-level environmental priorities and federal regulatory agreements.
The EPA has not yet issued a public statement in response to Governor Cooper’s criticisms. The status of the settlement and the potential for modifications based on the Governor’s feedback remain to be seen.
Story summarized from the original created by WTVD on abc11.com, see more information here.
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