MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – A judge has ruled that a lawsuit against the manufacturer of toxic PCBs can move forward.
For decades, Monsanto manufactured PCBs that were used in building materials.
In Vermont, the discovery of PCBs at Burlington High School led to the school’s closure, demolition and $165 million bond to rebuild it.
Vermont sued Monsanto and the company asked the judge to throw out the lawsuit.
But last week, the court ruled the lawsuit can proceed.
Attorney General Charity Clark calls the decision critical for holding Monsanto accountable.
“It also has informed Monsanto this case is legitimate. It’s real. you have to take it seriously and maybe you should settle. It’s heading to trial, we’re going to build our case and hold them accountable,” said Clark, D-Vt. Attorney General.
The greenlight for the lawsuit comes as schools across Vermont are grappling with the cost and logistics of the PCB testing and remediation program.