**PepsiCo Wins Dismissal of Lawsuit Over Plastic Pollution**

PepsiCo has successfully dismissed a lawsuit from New York State that accused the company of polluting the environment with single-use plastic packaging. Justice Emilio Colaiacovo of the state Supreme Court in Buffalo criticized the state's attorney general, Letitia James, for bringing the case, stating that it lacked evidence.

In the lawsuit, James sought to hold PepsiCo and its subsidiary, Frito-Lay, accountable for generating 17% of the plastic waste found in and near the Buffalo River, alleging that this endangered Buffalo's water supply. However, Justice Colaiacovo ruled that it would defy established jurisprudence to punish the company for actions it could not control, specifically people ignoring anti-littering laws.

The judge also referenced a 2003 appeals court decision that refused to hold Sturm Ruger liable for the criminal use of its handguns, suggesting that imposing liability on PepsiCo would set a dangerous precedent. "While everyone understands the importance of recycling and environmental stewardship, it does not justify baseless assertions of liability," Colaiacovo, a Republican, wrote.

A spokeswoman for James expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that the attorney general's office is reviewing its options and remains committed to combating plastic pollution. PepsiCo, headquartered in Purchase, New York, responded positively to the ruling, emphasizing their dedication to reducing plastic use and promoting effective recycling.

James' lawsuit against PepsiCo is one of several filed by state and local governments, as well as environmental groups, aiming to hold companies accountable for plastic waste. Coincidentally, the dismissal followed closely on the heels of a similar lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County against PepsiCo and Coca-Cola over single-use plastics.

The case highlights an ongoing legal and environmental battle over corporate responsibility for plastic pollution. The dispute, formally registered as New York v. PepsiCo Inc et al, continues to draw attention to the broader issue of environmental conservation and regulatory efforts.