North Dakota Jury Orders Greenpeace to Pay $660 Million to Energy Transfer in Dakota Access Pipeline Defamation Case

In a significant legal development, a North Dakota jury has ruled in favor of Energy Transfer, an oil and gas pipeline company, in a lawsuit against the environmental group Greenpeace. The jury’s decision requires Greenpeace to pay over $660 million in damages and defamation charges related to the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline that took place between 2016 and 2017. These protests, centered around the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, drew national attention and highlighted environmental and indigenous rights concerns.

The lawsuit, filed by Dallas-based Energy Transfer, accused Greenpeace of defamation, disruption, and property damage during the protests. The company argued that Greenpeace’s actions were responsible for significant financial and reputational harm. The jury’s decision reflects the company’s claims that Greenpeace’s involvement in the protests led to substantial disruptions and damages.

Energy Transfer expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing the impact of the protests on local communities. In a statement, the company noted that the ruling was a victory for the residents of Mandan and North Dakota, who experienced what they described as harassment and disruptions due to the protests. The company attributed these actions to Greenpeace’s funding and training of the protesters.

In response to the verdict, Greenpeace announced its intention to appeal the decision. The environmental group expressed concern over the implications of the case, suggesting that it could have broader consequences for advocacy and protest activities. Greenpeace’s interim executive highlighted the potential impact on free speech and activism, indicating that the organization plans to challenge the ruling in higher courts.