Pensacola has connections to two news stories:
$10.3B PFAS Settlement
Late yesterday, the New York Times reported 3M reached a $10.3 billion settlement with U.S. cities and towns over their claims that the company contaminated drinking water with PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances used in everything from firefighting foam to nonstick coatings.
- The settlement, which requires court approval, would put an end to legal claims including a test case brought by the City of Stuart, Fla., that had been scheduled for a trial before a federal judge on June 5.
Why this matters: Levin Papantonio attorneys Ned McWilliams and Wes Bowden – both Inweekly Rising Stars – were part of the team ready to try the case. The City of Pensacola is a client of the firm in the PFAS cases.
Dig Deeper: The 3M deal is similar to deals with Chemours, DuPont and Corteva, which agreed on June 2 to pay $1.19 billion into a fund that will be used to remove PFAS from public drinking water systems.
McWilliams serves on the Science and Discovery Committees in the Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2873).
Bowden is a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in the AFFF MDL.
American Magic in Barcelona
Yesterday, our American Magic Team successfully launched its new AC40 at the 37th America’s Cup venue in Barcelona, Spain, becoming the second team to sail at the site.
Connection: American Magic trained in Pensacola and will relocate its headquarters to the Port of Pensacola after America’s Cup.
- Two large, dockside hangars have been erected to house the team’s equipment as their base now for the rest of the campaign through to the start of the Challenger Selection Series in August-September 2024. Read more.
More details:
Teams challenging defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• K-Challenge Racing (FRA)