Justine Calma

While that seems like a lot, 3M faced up to $30 billion in legal liability for products it made with forever chemicals. It’ll now pay up to $12.5 billion to settle hundreds of lawsuits from cities whose water sources have been contaminated with the chemicals. Forever chemicals, or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been linked to a higher risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, liver damage, and reproductive health issues. The chemicals, which 3M said it would stop using in products like Scotchgard fabric protector, are notoriously hard to destroy and disproportionately pollute Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.

The kids have a right to “a clean and healthful environment” under Montana’s constitution. This landmark case is supposed to determine whether Montana, the state with the largest coal reserves, is violating that right by propping up the fossil fuel industry. The outcome could influence climate lawsuits across the country.