A New York Supreme Court justice has thrown out an environmental pollution lawsuit against PepsiCo, in a blow to authorities in the US state who wanted the beverage giant to rein in its use of single-use plastics.
New York Attorney General Letitia James had sued the company last year, seeking a finding that it contributed to a “public nuisance” in the Buffalo River with its products.
She also sought an order that the company cease the sale of single-use plastic on goods that do not warn of their environmental ills.
A survey conducted by Attorney General Letitia James’ office revealed that PepsiCo’s plastic packaging is the leading contributor to plastic pollution in the Buffalo River, surpassing McDonald’s by three times.
However, Justice Emilio Colaiavoco dismissed the lawsuit against Pepsi, labeling the claims as “speculative” and attributing the littering to individual consumers rather than the company.
He emphasized that without legislative action or executive orders establishing liability, the lawsuit was merely “policy idealism”. PepsiCo expressed satisfaction with the ruling, reaffirming its commitment to plastic reduction and recycling.
AFP
#TheGlobalNewlightOfMyanmar