Civil enforcement efforts in New Jersey have resulted in the recovery of nearly $430 million for the state in 2024, according to an announcement by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. The funds were recouped through settlements involving environmental cases, consumer issues, taxation matters, and debt recovery actions.
Attorney General Platkin stated, “On my watch, New Jersey has continued to lead the way in protecting our residents from harm and holding bad actors accountable when they violate the law. We’ve stopped scams, halted questionable business practices, and made polluters pay—and in the process we’ve returned hundreds of millions of dollars back to the State and our residents.” He emphasized that these results contribute to a better quality of life for all New Jerseyans.
Michael C. Walters, Acting Director of the Division of Law, praised Platkin's leadership: “Thanks to Attorney General Platkin’s leadership, we are seeing the benefits of pursuing rigorous accountability on behalf of the taxpayers of the State.” Walters highlighted the dedication of Division of Law attorneys and staff in achieving favorable outcomes for communities.
The total recoveries amounting to $429,957,682 build on nearly $600 million recovered previously, surpassing $1 billion over two years. The recoveries reflect orders or settlements obtained by the state but do not include other forms of relief like restitution or debt relief directly benefiting victims.
Significant cases contributing to these recoveries include:
- Solvay West Deptford Plant PFAS: Solvay Specialty Polymers USA paid $179.8 million for remedial projects due to contamination at its Gloucester County facility.
- Orsted Offshore Wind Settlement: The state received $125 million after resolving claims related to Orsted's abandonment of two offshore wind projects.
- Johnson & Johnson: New Jersey will receive over $30 million as part of a nationwide settlement regarding talc-based products.
- MTBE Multidistrict Litigation: Gulf Oil compensated New Jersey with $18.5 million for groundwater contamination.
- Handy & Harman: The state received $14 million for natural resource damages related to groundwater contamination in Montvale.
- Publicis Health Inc.: A settlement yielded nearly $9.5 million concerning investigations into opioid crisis marketing roles.
- TS Employment Inc.: A bankruptcy claim led to over $4.8 million recovery against TS Employment Inc.
- Morgan Stanley: Approximately $5 million was recovered from a whistleblower action under the False Claims Act.
- Endo International plc: Over $4 million was obtained through bankruptcy reorganization addressing opioid epidemic allegations.
- Transcanada Power Marketing LTD: Settled a corporate business tax case for $3 million.
Additionally, litigation-related settlements and judgments paid by New Jersey totaled approximately $177.9 million in 2024, up from $121.5 million in 2023.
