Notice by Settling Distributors. On or before the Reference Date, the Settling Distributors shall inform the Settling States of their determination pursuant to Section VIII.A. If the Settling Distributors determine to proceed, the Parties will proceed to file the Consent Judgments and the obligations in the Subdivision Settlement Participation Forms will be effective and binding as of the Reference Date. If the Settling Distributors determine not to proceed, this Agreement will have no further effect, any amounts placed in escrow for Payment Year 1, including funds referenced in Section IV.C.1, Section IX, Section X, and Exhibit M, shall be returned to the Settling Distributors, and all releases (including those contained in Subdivision Settlement Participation Forms) and other commitments or obligations contained herein or in Subdivision Settlement Participation Forms will be void.
