DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison commends the Illinois attorney general for standing up for Cook and Lake Counties after the announcement of a landmark settlement requiring Monsanto to pay $120 million for polychlorinated biphenyl – also known as PCB – contamination to the region.

“This settlement represents a critical step toward environmental justice for Illinois families who have lived with the consequences of corporate negligence for far too long,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “For decades, Monsanto produced and disposed of dangerous chemicals while denying their devastating health impacts. This agreement holds them accountable and secures vital funding to protect our communities and natural resources.”

The settlement resolves a 2022 lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Raoul alleging that Monsanto officials knew PCBs posed serious health and environmental risks even as they denied those dangers publicly. PCBs, banned in 1979 due to their high toxicity, are believed to cause cancer and multiple other illnesses and do not break down easily in the environment.

Under the agreement, Glencoe, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, North Chicago, Winnetka, and a number of other communities will receive $80 million collectively, with an additional $40 million or more to be determined by further legal action. The settlement funds must be used strategically to address contamination, support affected communities, and prevent future environmental disasters.

“While no amount of money can undo the health impacts suffered by families exposed to these carcinogens, this settlement will help provide meaningful resources for cleanup, monitoring and community health initiatives," said Morrison. "I commend Attorney General Raoul for his persistent pursuit of justice and his commitment to protecting Illinois residents and our natural environment.”

Morrison has been instrumental in protecting environmental health risks, most recently leading House Bill 2516 – a law to ban intentionally added PFAS from seven categories of products sold and distributed in the state, including cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, children’s items, menstrual products, intimate apparel and food packaging. She is hopeful the Monsanto settlement is just the start, and momentum is gained to hold companies accountable for manufacturing other harmful chemicals – such as PFAS.