Additional Coverage:
Greenpeace Ordered to Pay Over $660 Million in Damages to Energy Transfer
A North Dakota jury has delivered a significant blow to Greenpeace, finding the environmental organization liable for defamation and ordering it to pay over $660 million in damages to Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline. The lawsuit stemmed from Greenpeace’s involvement in the widespread protests against the pipeline nearly a decade ago.
Energy Transfer accused Greenpeace of trespass, nuisance, and civil conspiracy, alleging the group orchestrated an “unlawful and violent scheme” to inflict financial harm. Greenpeace, however, maintains it did not lead the demonstrations, arguing they were spearheaded by local Indigenous leaders opposed to the pipeline’s construction near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The organization plans to appeal the verdict, warning that such a substantial financial penalty could lead to bankruptcy and jeopardize its five decades of activism.
The nine-person jury reached its decision after two days of deliberation in Mandan, North Dakota. During closing arguments, Energy Transfer’s lawyer, Trey Cox, estimated damages between $265 million and $340 million, requesting the jury award that amount plus additional penalties.
The Dakota Access Pipeline protests garnered international attention during the Trump administration, as Native American groups and supporters clashed with authorities over the pipeline’s route. The protests, marked by instances of violence and vandalism, spanned from April 2016 to February 2017. At its peak, the encampment swelled to over 10,000 individuals, representing over 200 Native American tribes and attracting military veterans, actors, and political figures.
While the 1,172-mile pipeline has been operational since 2017, it remains under scrutiny for lacking a key permit for its operation under Lake Oahe in South Dakota. Local tribes continue to advocate for a thorough environmental review of the project.
During the trial, Energy Transfer co-founder Kelcy Warren testified that protesters had created a “total false narrative” about the company. Greenpeace, however, contends it merely provided support for “nonviolent, direct-action training.”
Following the verdict, Greenpeace International’s general counsel, Kristin Casper, vowed to continue the fight, declaring, “Energy Transfer hasn’t heard the last of us.” Some legal experts believe the substantial financial penalty could have a chilling effect on environmental activism and public interest litigation.
Greenpeace has filed a countersuit against Energy Transfer in a Dutch court, alleging the company is attempting to silence its critics. The legal battle continues, with both sides determined to prevail.