Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Va. A.G. Jones Urges Congress to Restore SNAP Benefits and Protect Food Assistance in Farm Bill
RICHMOND, Virginia, June 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Urges Congress to Restore SNAP Benefits and Protect Food Assistance in Farm Bill
Coalition Calls on Senate to Reverse Federal Cuts that Threaten Food Assistance for Millions of Americans
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Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of 23 other attorneys general in urging congressional leaders to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and eligibility protections in the upcoming Farm Bill and reject efforts
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RICHMOND, Virginia, June 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Urges Congress to Restore SNAP Benefits and Protect Food Assistance in Farm Bill
Coalition Calls on Senate to Reverse Federal Cuts that Threaten Food Assistance for Millions of Americans
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Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of 23 other attorneys general in urging congressional leaders to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and eligibility protections in the upcoming Farm Bill and reject effortsto reduce food assistance.
In a letter to Senate leadership and the leaders of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Attorney General Jones and the coalition warned that recent federal SNAP cuts - the largest reductions to food assistance in modern history - are exacerbating food insecurity, creating new bureaucratic hurdles for eligible families, and shifting billions of dollars in costs onto states and local governments. The letter urges the Senate to reaffirm a bipartisan commitment that no American should go hungry because they cannot afford food as they consider the next Farm Bill.
"Hardworking Virginians are facing a cost crisis, and they are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and housing. Instead of working to bring costs down, Congress is slashing food assistance programs that families rely on. Congress must reverse the detrimental cuts that have been made to SNAP in the upcoming Farm Bill," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "Access to food should not be a partisan issue. This office will keep fighting for Virginia's most vulnerable."
SNAP provided critical support to 752,346 Virginians in May of 2026 alone, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services. New federal restrictions passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded work requirements and additional administrative hurdles, make it significantly harder for Virginians to keep their benefits and threatens to push them off the program altogether. In the letter, Attorney General Jones and the coalition argue that expanded requirements and administrative hurdles do not create jobs or reduce poverty. Instead, they cause eligible families to lose assistance because they are unable to navigate increasingly complex bureaucratic requirements.
Attorney General Jones and the coalition are urging the Senate to take a different approach from the House-passed Farm Bill, which fails to reverse recent cuts to food assistance. They are calling on the Senate to restore SNAP benefit levels and funding, reverse or delay new cost-sharing requirements, and roll back expanded work requirements and eligibility restrictions. They also urge the Senate to reject further benefit cuts, preserve state flexibility, and strengthen access to nutrition assistance for seniors, children, veterans, and working families.
The letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman, and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar. Joining Attorney General Jones in sending the letter, which was led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3044-attorney-general-jay-jones-urges-congress-to-restore-snap-benefits-and-protect-food-assistance-in-farm-bill
Okla. A.G. Drummond Praises Big 12 Legal Action
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 17 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on June 15, 2026:
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Drummond praises Big 12 legal action
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today praised the Big 12 Conference for filing a legal complaint against Texas Tech seeking confirmation of its authority to sanction the institution if quarterback Brendan Sorsby plays during the 2026 football season.
The action followed a letter Drummond sent to the conference on Friday encouraging the league to enforce its bylaws to uphold competition integrity in the wake of Sorsby's
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 17 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on June 15, 2026:
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Drummond praises Big 12 legal action
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today praised the Big 12 Conference for filing a legal complaint against Texas Tech seeking confirmation of its authority to sanction the institution if quarterback Brendan Sorsby plays during the 2026 football season.
The action followed a letter Drummond sent to the conference on Friday encouraging the league to enforce its bylaws to uphold competition integrity in the wake of Sorsby'sgambling violations. Drummond also called Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's claims that sanctions against Texas Tech would violate antitrust laws meritless.
The complaint, filed June 14, names Paxton, Texas Tech and several Texas Tech officials as defendants.
"I applaud the Big 12's swift action to defend its authority to enforce its own bylaws," Drummond said. "My office will protect Oklahoma's own stake in the integrity of these contests."
Drummond noted Oklahoma has direct interest in the integrity of the Big 12 Conference because Oklahoma State University is a member institution.
The Big 12's complaint extensively cited Drummond's letter, reiterating that the idea that the Big 12 may not sanction the actions of one of its members under an agreed-upon preexisting contract is facially absurd and that the private association can enforce its own rules.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/june/drummond-praises-big-12-legal-action.html
N.J. A.G. Davenport Announces Comprehensive, Multifaceted Set of Actions to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking During the World Cup
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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AG Davenport Announces Comprehensive, Multifaceted Set of Actions to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking During the World Cup
With New Jersey hosting eight World Cup matches this summer, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office is taking a proactive, multi-part approach to stifle human trafficking, elevate the issue on a global stage, and ensure the tournament is not used by criminals to exploit vulnerable people and workers.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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AG Davenport Announces Comprehensive, Multifaceted Set of Actions to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking During the World Cup
With New Jersey hosting eight World Cup matches this summer, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office is taking a proactive, multi-part approach to stifle human trafficking, elevate the issue on a global stage, and ensure the tournament is not used by criminals to exploit vulnerable people and workers.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenporttoday highlighted a series of steps her office is taking to confront this heinous crime, including enforcement actions, efforts to raise public awareness, and training for frontline workers.
"From the beginning of my tenure, I identified human trafficking as a major priority. In light of the World Cup, additional enforcement is taking place and support resources are available. Our efforts help survivors and victims while holding perpetrators of this crime accountable," said Attorney General Davenport. "Each of us, working together in ways big and small, can end the nightmare that human trafficking victims endure day in and day out. And our efforts do not end with the World Cup; we will continue to do this work for survivors and victims -- those who have shown the courage to come forward so law enforcement can act, bring traffickers to justice, and prevent further victimization."
Over the past several years the State has been increasing attention, awareness, prevention, and enforcement of human trafficking, expanding both the Human Trafficking Units of the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP).
As World Cup matches are played in the Meadowlands and Philadelphia this summer, numerous efforts are being undertaken by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and other agencies to disrupt human trafficking operations across the state.
Increased enforcement
* Criminal enforcement: In May, the NJSP and DCJ Human Trafficking Units announced charges against a Camden man in connection with his alleged trafficking, promoting of prostitution, and acts of violence against two women, who he allegedly forced to commit commercial sex acts in exchange for money and narcotics. Keith B. Woodson, 40, of Camden, rented hotel rooms, bought supplies, and arranged meetings between one of his victims and clients, with the victim fearing that if she refused to perform sex acts against her will, the defendant would hurt her or withhold food. Woodson allegedly collected all the money the clients had paid.
In another case announced in May, 13 New Jersey residents were arrested in connection with a human trafficking ring they allegedly ran in Central and South Jersey. The ring operated across multiple counties, including Middlesex, Ocean, Camden, and Burlington. The victims provided the ring with all the money they earned, and in exchange the suspects allegedly paid for their lodging, food, other necessities, transportation, and controlled dangerous substances (CDS). The enterprise forced the victims to post online advertisements of themselves and was also involved in drug distribution, expecting the victims to provide narcotics to clients who were interested in CDS.
The NJSP and DCJ Human Trafficking Units will continue these important enforcement efforts and will increase enforcement throughout the duration of the World Cup, as such large international sporting events also bring an increase in trafficking activity.
* Victim outreach: In coordination with local and county partners, state law enforcement has conducted victim outreach operations, with the aim of recovering and providing services to potential victims of human trafficking. By combining investigative resources, victim advocacy, and specialized training, law enforcement can both rescue victims and connect them with support services, including housing, counseling, and medical care. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors on their path to recovery.
* Identifying and assisting victims: Expanding an innovative law enforcement-led pilot program designed to assist police officers with identifying young survivors and connecting them to support, rather than the criminal justice system. In partnership with Covenant House New Jersey, the Attorney General's STAR program (Screen, Train, Assist, Respond), which started in Mount Laurel and expanded to Elizabeth in May, aims to divert victims away from punishment and toward support and stability.
The program focuses on young adults ages 18 to 24, a population particularly vulnerable to trafficking when experiencing poverty or homelessness. Officers are trained to use a screening tool at the point of arrest to determine whether a detainee could be a victim of exploitation and ensure victims receive appropriate services instead of facing further punitive actions. Participants are referred to services that provide case management, housing support, legal advocacy, and more to promote long-term stabilization and to prevent future revictimization and justice system involvement.
* Elevating the voices of survivors: OAG has been collaborating with the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking, composed of numerous survivor leaders. Attorney General Davenport has held meetings with survivors to learn more about their experiences, their paths to recovery and resilience, and to discuss best practices in our efforts to combat human trafficking.
Public awareness
OAG is fostering greater awareness of human trafficking among residents, business owners, and agencies at different levels of government, encouraging them to recognize the signs and how they should respond if they encounter suspected trafficking:
* Alerting licensees: Letters were sent by the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA), within the Division of Law and Public Safety, to New Jersey's licensed medical professionals and licensed cosmetology professionals -- both groups who may come into contact with human trafficking victims -- educating them on red flags related to trafficking that they should look out for.
* Putting businesses on notice: OAG and DCA sent notices to a broad array of businesses operating in New Jersey, including hotels and motels, massage businesses, and online payment apps, reminding them of their obligations under New Jersey and federal law to prevent human trafficking. The notices also highlight the federal Trafficking Victims Prevention Act, which allows the Attorney General to bring civil enforcement actions against individuals or entities who engage in sex trafficking or financially benefit from knowing participation in a sex trafficking venture. The notices also include resources that help businesses identify the signs of human trafficking and direct them to promptly report instances to law enforcement.
* Training inspectors: Training has been provided to municipal fire inspectors and code enforcement officers, who may encounter evidence of potential trafficking situations during property inspections. Members of the NJSP and the New Jersey Department of Corrections have also been receiving continuing education on how to spot potential incidents and victims.
* Combating labor trafficking: Staff from the New Jersey Racing Commission, including investigators, veterinarians, and license inspectors, attended a proactive training session at Monmouth Park in Oceanport to learn how to recognize potential signs of human trafficking in the backstretch community: the many behind-the-scenes workers who live and work at racetracks during race season. This group includes stable hands, grooms, hot walkers, exercise riders, and other workers, largely from immigrant communities, who travel around the country working long hours caring for the horses. Staff who attended the training, provided by Covenant House, were educated about labor trafficking, its characteristics, the industries and populations where it has been found, as well as how to spot possible signs of trafficking in a person's presentation, behavior, and history.
* Prevention campaign: A public awareness campaign was launched on June 1 with the nonprofit It's a Penalty, which recruited soccer players to serve as ambassadors warning the public about the risk of human trafficking associated with large international sporting events.
The prevention campaign, running throughout the global soccer event, includes ad placements and activities at airports, airlines, hotels, accommodation providers, transportation networks, media platforms, and fan venues in New Jersey, New York, and other host cities across North America. It also includes educational videos, reporting mechanisms, training for frontline staff, and resources for the public.
* Online information and resources: The unveiling of a World Cup website that includes a dedicated page on fighting human trafficking, with the aim of promoting public understanding of how to detect and report suspected trafficking. The site includes tip lines for victims and witnesses to contact authorities, posters businesses can print out and display to alert the public to what to look out for, as well as resources for survivors to help them with counseling, legal assistance, housing, and other needs.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-announces-comprehensive-multifaceted-set-of-actions-to-prevent-and-disrupt-human-trafficking-during-the-world-cup/
Md. A.G. Brown Urges Congress to Restore SNAP Benefits and Protect Food Assistance in Farm Bill
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Urges Congress to Restore SNAP Benefits and Protect Food Assistance in Farm Bill
Coalition Calls on Senate to Reverse Federal Cuts that Threaten Food Assistance for Millions of Americans
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general in urging congressional leaders to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and eligibility protections in the upcoming Farm Bill and reject
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Urges Congress to Restore SNAP Benefits and Protect Food Assistance in Farm Bill
Coalition Calls on Senate to Reverse Federal Cuts that Threaten Food Assistance for Millions of Americans
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general in urging congressional leaders to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and eligibility protections in the upcoming Farm Bill and rejectefforts to reduce food assistance.
In a letter to Senate leadership and the leaders of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Attorney General Brown and the coalition warned that recent federal SNAP cuts - the largest reductions to food assistance in modern history - are increasing hunger, creating new bureaucratic hurdles for eligible families, and shifting billions of dollars in costs onto states and local governments. They write that as the Senate considers the next Farm Bill, it has an opportunity to reaffirm a bipartisan commitment that no American should go hungry because they cannot afford food.
SNAP provides critical support to 680,000 Marylanders, including nearly 270,000 children. New federal restrictions passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded work requirements and additional administrative hurdles, make it significantly harder for Maryland residents to keep their benefits or threaten to push them off the program altogether. In the letter, Attorney General Brown and the coalition argue that expanded work requirements and administrative hurdles do not create jobs or reduce poverty. Instead, they cause eligible families to lose assistance because they are unable to navigate increasingly complex bureaucratic requirements.
The attorneys general also raise concerns about the impact of new SNAP changes on state economies. New cost-sharing provisions require states to shoulder billions of dollars in new costs while imposing substantial new administrative burdens, a significant shift from SNAP's longstanding federal commitment to ensuring that Americans do not go hungry during times of need. Attorney General Brown and the coalition warn that these unprecedented shifts could force states to make impossible choices between cutting other essential services or reducing SNAP support for vulnerable residents.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition are urging the Senate to take a different approach from the House-passed Farm Bill, which fails to reverse recent cuts to food assistance. They are calling on the Senate to restore SNAP benefit levels and funding, reverse or delay new cost-sharing requirements, and roll back expanded work requirements and eligibility restrictions. They also urge the Senate to reject further benefit cuts, preserve state flexibility, and strengthen access to nutrition assistance for seniors, children, veterans, and working families.
The letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman, and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar.
Joining Attorney General Brown in sending the letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Urges-Congress-to-Restore-SNAP-Benefits-and-Protect-Food-Assistance-in-Farm-Bill.aspx
Del. A.G. Jennings Secures Final Victory Over Trump Administration's Ban on Offshore Wind Permitting
DOVER, Delaware, June 17 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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AG Jennings secures final victory over Trump Administration's ban on offshore wind permitting
Attorney General Kathy Jennings and a coalition of 18 attorneys general yesterday celebrated the dismissal of the Trump Administration's appeal of their victory in a lawsuit challenging the federal government's order to freeze all federal permitting for wind energy projects.
"This result is a victory on multiple fronts: it's a win for the fight against climate change, it's
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DOVER, Delaware, June 17 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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AG Jennings secures final victory over Trump Administration's ban on offshore wind permitting
Attorney General Kathy Jennings and a coalition of 18 attorneys general yesterday celebrated the dismissal of the Trump Administration's appeal of their victory in a lawsuit challenging the federal government's order to freeze all federal permitting for wind energy projects.
"This result is a victory on multiple fronts: it's a win for the fight against climate change, it'sa win for lower energy bills for Delawareans, and it's a win for the rule of law," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "With the Trump Administration's clumsy attempt at interference finally done and dusted, I look forward to seeing more clean energy added to our grid."
On January 20, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum that, among other things, indefinitely froze all federal approvals needed for the development of wind energy projects pending federal review. Pursuant to this directive, federal agencies stopped all permitting and approval activities. In May, the coalition filed a lawsuit challenging those actions and in December, a federal judge in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts vacated those actions, ruling that they were arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law. The federal government appealed that ruling but subsequently decided to drop that appeal. On June 15, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit entered a judgement dismissing the appeal, cementing the states' victory.
In their lawsuit, the attorneys general alleged that the federal agencies' actions harmed their states' efforts to secure reliable, diversified, and affordable sources of energy to meet their increasing demand for electricity and help reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants, meet clean energy goals, and address climate change. The agencies' actions also threatened to thwart billions of dollars of states' investments in wind industry infrastructure, supply chains, and workforce development.
The coalition argued, and the court agreed, that federal agencies' actions violated the Administrative Procedure Act because, among other things, the agencies provided no reasoned explanation for categorically and indefinitely halting all wind energy approvals.
Joining AG Jennings in filing this lawsuit, which was led by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and New York Attorney General Letitia James, were the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/06/16/ag-jennings-secures-final-victory-over-trump-administrations-ban-on-offshore-wind-permitting/
Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Agents Arrest Hammond Woman for Defrauding Medicaid Program of More Than $72,000
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, June 17 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Agents Arrest Hammond Woman for Defrauding Medicaid Program of More Than $72,000
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Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents arrested 56-year-old Shuna Singleton, of Carters Lane in Hammond, for defrauding the Medicaid program of approximately $72,442.58.
Special Agents assigned to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI), the Criminal Investigative Division of the Louisiana Department of
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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, June 17 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Agents Arrest Hammond Woman for Defrauding Medicaid Program of More Than $72,000
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Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents arrested 56-year-old Shuna Singleton, of Carters Lane in Hammond, for defrauding the Medicaid program of approximately $72,442.58.
Special Agents assigned to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI), the Criminal Investigative Division of the Louisiana Department ofJustice, Office of the Attorney General, received a Medicaid fraud referral from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regarding 56-year-old Shuna Singleton, of Carters Lane in Hammond.
During the investigation, Special Agents determined that Singleton repeatedly reported changes in household composition after being denied Medicaid benefits due to her husband's income. Records obtained during the investigation showed that when her husband's income was considered, Singleton was determined to be ineligible for benefits. Subsequent applications and renewals reflected that her husband was no longer reported as a household member, resulting in Medicaid eligibility and continued benefits.
LDH determined that had Singleton accurately reported her household composition and total household income, she would not have been eligible to receive Medicaid benefits from July 1, 2019, through July 31, 2025. As a result, Singleton unlawfully received Medicaid benefits totaling approximately $72,442.58.
Special Agents determined that Singleton knowingly concealed and failed to disclose material information regarding her marital status, household composition, and household income that affected her eligibility for Medicaid benefits administered by LDH. These actions resulted in violations of LRS 14:70.9, Government Benefit Fraud, and LRS 14:133, Filing or Maintaining False Public Records.
LBI agents subsequently obtained arrest warrants issued by the 19th Judicial District Court charging Singleton with:
* LRS 14:70.9 - Government Benefit Fraud (2 counts)
* LRS 14:133 - Filing or Maintaining False Public Records (2 counts)
"Government benefits are only for those who qualify for them. If you cheat the system, my office will hold you accountable," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
On June 16, 2026, Singleton surrendered to LBI agents at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and was booked accordingly.
Singleton's bond information is unknown at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
*All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Original text here: https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/545
AG's Office Secures Up To $220,000 Settlement From Two Asbestos Services Companies For Violating Asbestos Regulations
BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 17 -- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued the following news release:
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AG's Office Secures Up To $220,000 Settlement From Two Asbestos Services Companies For Violating Asbestos Regulations
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The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (AGO) announced today that the Suffolk County Superior Court has entered Consent Judgments against asbestos services companies Clean Slate Inc., formerly known as Air Safe, Inc. ("Air Safe"), and Safety Environmental Consultants, Inc ("SEC"). The Consent Judgments resolve allegations that the companies violated
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 17 -- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued the following news release:
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AG's Office Secures Up To $220,000 Settlement From Two Asbestos Services Companies For Violating Asbestos Regulations
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The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (AGO) announced today that the Suffolk County Superior Court has entered Consent Judgments against asbestos services companies Clean Slate Inc., formerly known as Air Safe, Inc. ("Air Safe"), and Safety Environmental Consultants, Inc ("SEC"). The Consent Judgments resolve allegations that the companies violatedthe Massachusetts Clean Air Act and state asbestos regulations during the handling and removal of asbestos-containing insulation from the basements of two homes in Berlin and Marlborough, resulting in dangerous asbestos-containing material being left at both homes for days.
Under the terms of the agreements, Air Safe will pay up to $120,000 in penalties to the Commonwealth, with $60,000 of that amount suspended for one year, to be waived contingent upon the company's retraining of all relevant employees and submission of enhanced notice of future asbestos abatement projects to MassDEP for one year. SEC will pay up to $100,000 in penalties, with $35,000 suspended for one year, to be waived contingent upon the timely payment of its civil penalties and submission of monthly asbestos clearance reports to MassDEP for one year. Of the total settlement funds from both companies, $100,000 will be deposited into the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Fund to support on-the-ground projects that address environmental harms in disadvantaged communities across the Commonwealth.
These Consent Judgments are the result of a lawsuit filed by the AGO alleging that Air Safe failed to fully remediate asbestos-containing material located in the basements of the homes in Berlin and Marlborough, and SEC, which had the responsibility of surveying both sites to ensure that no asbestos-containing material had been left unremedied, failed to detect visible asbestos-containing material at both locations. According to the AGO, SEC reported that Air Safe's work was complete at both locations and allowed residents to return to the contaminated basements, potentially exposing the residents to hazardous asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos is a hazardous material and known human carcinogen regulated under the Clean Air Act. It is used as fireproofing in a wide variety of building materials, from roofing and flooring, to siding and wallboard, to caulking and insulation, and is especially prevalent in older construction. If asbestos is improperly handled or maintained, fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, devastating the lungs, causing scarring, malfunction, and potentially life-threatening illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Once disturbed, asbestos fibers can remain airborne and therefore breathable for up to 72 hours. Because of the serious health risks associated with asbestos, there is no safe level of exposure.
The Environmental Justice Trust Fund was established in 2024 and supports projects that address environmental harms in disadvantaged communities across the Commonwealth. Funded through civil penalties obtained in judgments and settlements by the AGO's Environmental Protection Division, the Trust benefits community health by addressing economic, environmental, and health-related burdens.
The matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Zeus Smith of the AGO's Environmental Protection Division, with assistance from Environmental Analysts Juan Rascon and Eric Gomes, Asbestos Program Section Chief Christa Cronk of MassDEP's Central Regional Office, and Anne Blackman and Rebecca Gobeil of MassDEP's Office of General Counsel.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/ags-office-secures-up-to-220000-settlement-from-two-asbestos-services-companies-for-violating-asbestos-regulations
