U.S. reaches $773 million environmental settlement with GM estate, 14 states

The agreement with Old GM, the states and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe addresses 89 properties, two-thirds of which are contaminated with hazardous waste, the White House said.

It creates a $773 million trust, including $431 million states will use to clean up Old GM properties and $68 million in a pooled cleanup account to address unforeseen conditions.

Michigan will receive the most money, nearly $159 million, while New York will receive almost $154 million.

“The agreement marks a new beginning by responsibly addressing hazardous waste contamination in impacted communities, and at the same time creates jobs to help clean up and return these sites to beneficial uses. It also shows how the federal government can work successfully in concert with states and tribes to resolve environmental legacy issues in their communities,” said Gary Grindler, acting deputy attorney general of the United States, in a prepared statement.