ACC MN CLE + Happy Hour on February 12

Join ACC MN colleagues on Thursday, February 12, 2026, for a CLE program and reception at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley.

TINY PARTICLES, BIG PROBLEMS: WHAT MINNESOTA BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MICROPLASTICS
Microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, typically formed through the breakdown of plastic waste—are rapidly emerging as both an environmental threat and a legal risk for American businesses. With over 8 billion metric tons of plastic produced since the 1950s, microplastics are now found everywhere: from Mount Everest to the ocean floor, in soil, water, air, food and even human blood.

As with PFAS, the spread of microplastics has outpaced scientific understanding and regulatory response. Federal action remains limited, but states like California are advancing aggressive regulatory frameworks. California’s 2022 Statewide Microplastics Strategy, for example, has led to testing protocols, water quality monitoring, and, most recently, a proposed rule to classify microplastics as candidate chemicals—potentially triggering product regulation.

Minnesota has yet to take significant action on microplastics. But given Minnesota’s penchant for following California’s lead on environmental issues, as well as recent findings showing microplastics present in most Minnesota waters, including Lake Superior, it is only a matter of time.

Meanwhile, advocacy groups are not waiting for government action. Recent citizen suits under the Clean Water Act and RCRA have resulted in multimillion-dollar settlements and operational reforms.

This presentation will explore the science, emerging regulation and litigation trends of microplastics and how they may affect Minnesota businesses in the years ahead.

PRESENTERS

• Devin Driscoll, Shareholder, Fredrikson 

• Nicci Ledbetter, Senior Associate, Fredrikson 

• Shantal Pai, Senior Associate, Fredrikson 

AGENDA
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Attendee check-in
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | CLE program
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Happy hour

Admission is free and open to ACC members and to in-house counsel first-time guests.

1 Standard CLE credit is pending in Minnesota.

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Thanks to our sponsor, Fredrikson!