Greenpeace finds itself in the midst of significant legal troubles following a jury’s decision in a North Dakota state court. In a highly charged trial, Texas-based pipeline operator Energy Transfer successfully argued that Greenpeace’s role in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline led to illegal disruptions and misinformation.
After two days of deliberation, the jury awarded nearly $667 million in damages, including over $400 million in punitive penalties.
The legal clash dates back to the 2016–2017 demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline, a project that drew widespread opposition from tribal communities and environmental activists. The pipeline, which became operational in 2017, carries approximately 40% of the oil produced in North Dakota’s Bakken region.
Standing Rock Indian Reservation was at the epicenter of the protests, with activists expressing concerns about threats to local water resources and the broader impact on climate change.
During the trial, Energy Transfer contended that Greenpeace “paid protesters to disrupt construction of the pipeline unlawfully and spread falsehoods,” accusations that led to jury findings of defamation, trespassing, and conspiracy.
“Today, the jury delivered a resounding verdict, declaring Greenpeace’s actions wrong, unlawful, and unacceptable by societal standards,” said Trey Cox, an attorney for Energy Transfer. “It is a day of reckoning and accountability for Greenpeace.”
Greenpeace maintained its stance that the organization merely exercised its right to “engage in peaceful protest.” She went on to characterize the ruling as “an attack on free speech rights,” noting that Greenpeace intends to appeal.
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