By Lawrence Pacheco
Yesterday, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced an agreement in principle that would require the Albertsons grocery chain to pay more than $773 million to address its role in the opioid epidemic. Colorado will receive at least $32 million from the settlement.
“Today’s agreement in principle holds Albertsons accountable for their role in the opioid crisis in Colorado and across the nation,” said Attorney General Weiser. “As attorney general, I have prioritized our work addressing the opioid crisis, making important investments in drug treatment, recovery, prevention and education efforts across the state. Those investments — made under Colorado’s gold standard opioid response framework — are making a difference and saving lives.”
The company operates Albertsons and Safeway grocery stores in Colorado. While the parties have reached agreement on the total potential payment that Albertsons would make to eligible state and local governments, important negotiations with respect to injunctive relief continue.
The negotiations with Albertsons have been led by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, and Oregon.
Under Attorney General Weiser’s leadership, Colorado is now slated to receive more than $912 million from national opioid settlements. Like other opioid recoveries, funds received from an Albertsons settlement will be distributed to regions and local governments according to a framework announced in August 2021.
Lawrence Pacheco is Chief Communications Officer with Colorado Attorney General’s Office.