Commiments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Legal and Environmental Matters [Abstract]

Commiments and Contingencies

We maintain reserves for various contingent liabilities as follows:

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Environmental reserves	$	11		$	10
Other reserves	—			—
Total contingencies	11			10
Current portion (included in other current liabilities)	(2		)	(2		)
Long-term portion (included in other long-term liabilities)	$	9		$	8

Estimates of our loss contingencies are based on various assumptions and judgments. Due to the numerous uncertainties and variables associated with these assumptions and judgments, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates of the related contingencies are subject to substantial uncertainties. We regularly monitor our estimated exposure to contingencies and, as additional information becomes known, may change our estimates significantly. While no estimate of the range of any such change can be made at this time, the amount that we may ultimately pay in connection with these matters could materially exceed, in either the near term or the longer term, the amounts accrued to date. Our estimates of our loss contingencies do not reflect potential future recoveries from insurance carriers except to the extent that recovery may, from time to time, be deemed probable as a result of an insurer’s agreement to payment terms.

Environmental Matters

We maintain a reserve for undiscounted estimated environmental loss contingencies. This reserve is primarily for estimated future costs of remediation of hazardous or toxic substances at numerous sites currently or previously owned by the Company. Our estimates of our environmental loss contingencies are based on various assumptions and judgments, the specific nature of which varies considering the particular facts and circumstances surrounding each environmental loss contingency. These estimates typically reflect assumptions and judgments as to the probable nature, magnitude and timing of the required investigation, remediation and/or monitoring activities and the probable cost of these activities, and in some cases reflect assumptions and judgments as to the obligation or willingness and ability of third parties to bear a proportionate or allocated share of the cost of these activities. Due to the numerous uncertainties and variables associated with these assumptions and judgments, and the effects of changes in governmental regulation and environmental technologies, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates of the related contingencies are subject to substantial uncertainties. We regularly monitor our estimated exposure to environmental loss contingencies and, as additional information becomes known, may change our estimates significantly. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized a charge of $2 million related to additional estimated environmental costs to be paid by a third party associated with a non-operating site.

Other Proceedings

We and our subsidiaries are parties to other legal proceedings. Based on the information currently available, management believes the resolution of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or liquidity.