North Carolina has emerged as a significant battleground in the ongoing U.S. crisis involving ‘forever chemicals,’ especially due to the activities of Chemours’ Fayetteville Works plant. This plant has been at the center of scrutiny for discharging these chemicals into the Cape Fear River, which serves as the main drinking water source for the Wilmington area. The discharges, mainly under DuPont before Chemours was spun off, have led to water and air contamination.
In a new twist, Chemours is now influencing the state’s political scene through its corporate political action committee, which has donated $5,000 to Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley’s campaign. Additional contributions totaling $6,500 have been made to five state GOP legislators, as reported by federal campaign finance records.
Despite inquiries, DJ Griffin, a spokesman for Whatley, has not commented on the candidate’s views regarding Chemours’ history of contamination or the recent settlement agreement. Questions also remain about Whatley’s opinion on the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to roll back Biden-era health limits on certain PFAS chemicals, including GenX.
Erin Carey from the Sierra Club’s North Carolina chapter expressed disappointment over Whatley’s acceptance of contributions from Chemours, stating, “It’s as baffling as it is disgraceful,” given the company’s link to ongoing contamination issues.
Scientific studies have connected PFAS exposure to numerous health risks such as certain cancers, fertility issues, and developmental delays in children. As Chemours stands to benefit from the Trump EPA’s rollback of PFAS regulations, it continues to argue that the previous administration’s rules lacked scientific foundation and proper regulatory process.
Last month, a settlement was announced where Chemours agreed to pay a $22.5 million penalty for contamination in multiple states, including North Carolina. The company also pledged to invest at least $90 million over the next 15 years to prevent further contamination from its plants.
North Carolina’s Democratic leaders, including Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson, have criticized the settlement. Jackson called the agreement “insulting” and pointed out that North Carolina would receive significantly less financial compensation compared to other states affected by Chemours’ activities.
Former governor and current Democratic Senate candidate Roy Cooper also voiced his concerns on social media, denouncing the settlement as a bailout for corporations over citizens.
Chemours’ Political Engagement
Since establishing its political action committee in 2018, Chemours has predominantly supported Republican legislators in North Carolina, directing its donations to influential anti-regulatory Republicans. The only federal donation from the PAC was $1,000 to former Congressman Wiley Nickel in 2023.
Questions about Chemours’ rationale for supporting Whatley’s campaign remain unanswered. The company made its contribution to Whatley during the primary, leaving open the possibility of additional support for the general election.
This election cycle also saw Chemours’ PAC contribute the maximum allowed $15,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
As the state’s Environmental Management Commission works towards implementing PFAS monitoring and reduction rules, instead of numerical limits, Carey noted the company’s continued influence in averting stricter regulations.
Local utility companies, burdened with costly upgrades to their water treatment facilities due to PFAS, are pursuing legal action against Chemours to recoup these expenses. New Hanover County and Brunswick County are collectively spending over $200 million to implement technologies that reduce PFAS levels in drinking water.
