Texas AG Sues Dow, Braskem Over Plastic Pellet Pollution

Lawsuit alleges companies illegally discharged nurdles and other plastic waste into state waterways

Feb. 22, 2026 at 1:55pm

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against chemical companies Dow and Braskem, alleging they have been illegally discharging plastic pellets and other pollutants into state waterways for years. The lawsuit cites evidence from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that the companies' plants near Corpus Christi have been the source of significant plastic pollution, including nurdles, the small plastic pellets used as raw materials for most plastic products.

Why it matters

This lawsuit represents an unusual move by the state to hold major petrochemical companies accountable for plastic pollution, which has become an increasing environmental concern. The case could set a precedent for how states address the growing problem of plastic waste entering waterways and harming wildlife.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Dow Hydrocarbons and Resources LLC, its subsidiary Union Carbide Corporation, and Braskem America, Inc. have repeatedly violated the Texas Water Code by discharging plastic pellets and other pollutants from their facilities near Corpus Christi. State inspectors have documented the presence of these pollutants in the waterways on multiple occasions, including as recently as January 2022.

  • The lawsuit was filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in February 2026.
  • TCEQ inspectors have documented plastic pollution from the companies' facilities since at least 2019.

The players

Ken Paxton

The Attorney General of Texas who filed the lawsuit against Dow and Braskem.

Dow Hydrocarbons and Resources LLC

A subsidiary of Dow Chemical that operates a petrochemical facility near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Union Carbide Corporation

A subsidiary of Dow that is also named in the lawsuit.

Braskem America, Inc.

A petrochemical company that is co-defendant in the lawsuit along with Dow.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

The state environmental agency that has documented the plastic pollution from the companies' facilities.

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What they’re saying

“The facility has been discharging substantial quantities of nurdles as well as powder, flakes, and thick white foam since at least 2020, and almost certainly before then.”

— Diane Wilson, Director, San Antonio Bay Estuarine Waterkeeper (Notice of intent to sue)

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks over $1 million in compensation from the companies and demands they cease all unauthorized discharges from their facilities. The state's action could also impact a separate federal lawsuit being prepared by environmental groups against the companies.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing focus on holding major petrochemical companies accountable for plastic pollution, which has become an increasing environmental threat to waterways and wildlife. The lawsuit could set an important precedent for how states address this issue going forward.