#United States #New York #AAJ #Microplastics Litigation #Zachary Howerton

Introduction

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) has made a significant move in the fight against microplastics pollution by establishing its Microplastics Litigation Group. This new group marks a milestone as one of the first formal organizational structures in the U.S. designed to coordinate legal strategies addressing the widespread issue of microplastics. With experienced attorney Zachary Howerton from Milberg PLLC taking the co-chair role, the group aims to bring a science-driven approach to litigation as the scope of microplastics pollution becomes clearer.

Meet the Leadership: Zachary Howerton

Zachary Howerton’s background in both science and law equips him uniquely for this key position. Prior to his legal career, he earned a Master’s Degree in Ocean and Earth Sciences from Old Dominion University, focusing his research on chemical oceanography. His educational journey continued at Vermont Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude from a program recognized as the top in environmental law at the time. Howerton’s combined expertise presents a significant advantage as the group ventures into the complex interplay between legal action and scientific discovery concerning microplastics.

A Growing Legal Landscape

The formation of this litigation group comes at a time when lawsuits related to microplastics have sharply increased across the nation. Statistics reveal that between January 2024 and December 2025, at least 18 federal cases directly related to microplastics were filed, compared with a mere single case in the six years prior. This sudden rise indicates that both public awareness and legal scrutiny are at an all-time high. Furthermore, in an unprecedented move, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named microplastics as a priority contaminant in its latest draft of the Sixth Contaminant Candidate List, a decision that could pave the way for enforceable federal standards against these pollutants.

Challenges Ahead: The Importance of a Coordinated Strategy

Howerton stresses that microplastics are not just an environmental challenge but a public health crisis, stating, “Microplastics are everywhere—in our water, our food, our blood.” The legal strategies that the group implements will need to evolve rapidly alongside scientific understandings of microplastics’ effects on human health. This challenge underscores the necessity for a coordinated approach among plaintiffs attorneys, emphasizing the depth of science needed in legal arguments—a task that this new group is poised to undertake.

Milberg’s Role in the Movement

Milberg PLLC has already been making strides in tackling microplastics via two ongoing litigations involving the City of Baltimore. Key lawsuits target major corporations, including PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, alleging that their single-use plastic products contribute significantly to contamination, placing undue cleanup costs on the city. Milberg's environmental law team carries a solid historical background in handling major environmental lawsuits, significantly including the Camp Lejeune Water Litigation and cases related to the AFFF/PFAS contamination.

Looking to the Future

As public interest and legal action intensify, the newly formed Microplastics Litigation Group under the AAJ could become a pivotal player in shaping the future of environmental litigation. By sharing knowledge and developing comprehensive strategies, the group intends to lead the legal battle against microplastics, ensuring that justice prevails for affected communities.

In conclusion, as this group embarks on its mission, the collaborative efforts of lawyers, scientists, and public health advocates will be vital in navigating the complexities surrounding microplastics litigation. The formation of the AAJ's Microplastics Litigation Group heralds a new chapter in the pursuit of environmental justice, underscoring the urgent need for action in the face of one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.