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Portland council authorizes PFAS litigation, approves SL Law Group legal-services agreement

Portland City Council (workshop) · November 10, 2025

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Summary

After an executive session, the Portland City Council approved a resolution authorizing the city to pursue litigation related to PFAS contamination and approved a legal-services agreement with SL Law Group PC, the council reported by roll call.

The Portland City Council approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter litigation over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at the jetport and other city properties and approved a legal-services agreement with SL Law Group PC, the clerk said after an executive session.

Mayor Pro Tem Pius Ali announced that the council would discuss collective bargaining with the International Association of Firefighters Local 740 and consult with its attorney about joining a class-action suit regarding PFAS in executive session under "1 MRS section 4,056 d and e." After the closed session, staff read the related resolution (transcribed in the meeting as "resolve 9 resolve 52526" and later as "resolved 05/2526") and the council moved to approve it.

Councilors moved, seconded and used a roll call to record their votes; several councilors voiced support during the brief public remarks recorded after the vote, noting questions about potential liability and costs but indicating the city's position was acceptable. The clerk recorded affirmative roll-call votes and the resolution was approved.

The resolution as read authorized pursuing litigation concerning PFAS contamination and approved the retention of SL Law Group PC to provide legal services, sponsored by the city's corporation counsel, Michael Goldman. The meeting record does not include the contract’s dollar amount or other financial terms.

What’s next: The resolution authorizes the city to join litigation and to contract for outside legal services; the clerk indicated formal adoption at the meeting and the city’s corporation counsel will manage next steps.