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New York State Attorney General Letitia James filed a civil suit against PepsiCo on Wednesday, citing the beverage giant's plastic waste as a significant threat to waterways and condemning the company's purportedly "misleading" environmental statements.
The lawsuit, lodged in New York state Supreme Court, seeks a declaration that PepsiCo played a role in creating a "public nuisance" in the Buffalo River, along with financial penalties, compensatory damages, and an injunction to halt the sale of single-use plastics on products lacking clear warnings about environmental impact.
In a statement, Attorney General James emphasized the fundamental right of all New Yorkers to access clean water, expressing concern over PepsiCo's packaging and marketing practices jeopardizing Buffalo's water supply, environment, and public health. James stated, "No one should have to worry about plastics in their drinking water, plastic garbage littering their scenic riverfront, or plastic pollution harming wildlife."
The legal action underscores the increasing scrutiny on corporations for their role in environmental degradation and the consequences of plastic waste. The lawsuit alleges that PepsiCo's practices contribute to a public nuisance, a term often associated with activities that harm the public's health, safety, or welfare.
As the case unfolds, it is likely to fuel broader discussions about corporate responsibility and the environmental impact of single-use plastics. The legal challenge against PepsiCo reflects a growing trend of holding companies accountable for their contributions to ecological challenges, aligning with a global push for sustainable practices in business.
