PepsiCo Sheds New York Plastic Pollution Liability Suit (1)

PepsiCo Inc. did not pollute the Buffalo River in upstate New York and can’t be held accountable for plastics pollution in the river, a state judge ruled in a harsh rebuke to state Attorney General Letitia James (D).

James’ “phantom assertions” seeking to hold Pepsi liable for pollution from its products does “nothing to solve the problem” of pollution, Supreme Court Justice Emilio Colaiacovo said in his dismissal of the suit handed down Thursday.

The judicial system shouldn’t “be burdened with predatory lawsuits that seek to impose punishment while searching for a crime,” Colaiacovo wrote.

Colaiacovo chided James for trying ...