The encounter of Robert Bilott with the DuPont company and the battles that he subsequently fought have in one way or another caused changes in environmental law and liability of corporations. He has been active in advocacy work in the years that followed after the events depicted in Dark Waters.
Continuation of Advocacy Efforts:
After winning the significant case against DuPont, he has been actively involved in environmental law with an emphasis on toxic chemicals. He was instrumental in bringing to the fore the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is linked to numerous health effects including cancer, liver disorders and developmental issues, leading to global awareness of the pollutant. His efforts were not in vain because through the courts of a large number of jurisdictions worldwide, DuPont was brought to the negotiation table and they ultimately agreed to compensate the many litigants including Bilott.
Recent advances and breakthroughs that Bilott made in understanding the non-stick layer, in turn, resulted in further understanding the effects of PFOA, have led him to target wider classes of compounds termed as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which can also be defined and aimed at legal actions under the name ‘forever chemicals’. His public appeals and calls have been to regulators and authorities around the world to act on the rampant use of these chemicals in household items, apparel and other items like construction and military gear.
Legal Work and Influence:
In his legal career, Bilott has dealt with various kinds of environmental issues, particularly in regard to harmful substances. After winning the case with DuPont, he became one of the most prominent experts in dealing with PFAS contamination. He has represented many individuals, societies and organisations who have been affected due to the usage of these chemicals and has also filed cases against the companies for their negligent and irresponsible use of these chemicals.
Book and Public Speaking
These problems as well as the processes such as gaining remedies or guarantees, recovering damages for environmental contamination, and seeking justice through exposing corporate greed have become an integral part of his public speaking.
Effect on Law:
Bilott’s proceedings against DuPont have broader ramifications for law and policy. It caused many people including governments to start looking at chemical substances like PFOA and PFOS. His activism, along with other activists and scientists, forced the US EPA to take some action which later resulted in some enforcement for PFAS substances.
In 2021, for instance, the EPA stated its intention to regulate PFOA and PFOS as stated in the Country’s Safe Drinking Water Act. And while Bilott supports these proposals, he also emphasises that extensive and active measures have to be implemented to protect the environment from these chemicals, and to punish companies that have inflicted damage on society.
Ongoing Legal Cases:
Bilott’s practice in environmental law still develops and he has new notable cases that he follows. He is arguing to make public the fact of contamination of military sites and other places where PFAS chemicals were utilised. At the same time, Bilott seeks both individuals and communities affected by chemical pollution to be compensated and served justice.
Robert Bilott’s work since Dark Waters has revolved around making people aware of the harmful properties of certain chemicals, promoting health, and keeping corporations in check. His hands-on approach as a legal activist and representative on environmental issues still bears a remarkable impact on environmental legislation and regulation.