Greenpeace Ordered to Pay $667M Over Dakota Access Pipeline Protests

A North Dakota jury has ruled that Greenpeace must pay Texas-based Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET) nearly $667 million in damages for its role in the 2016-2017 protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The verdict, reached after two days of deliberation, found Greenpeace guilty of defamation, trespassing, and conspiracy, with over $400 million awarded in punitive damages.

Energy Transfer accused Greenpeace of funding protesters who disrupted pipeline construction and spreading false claims about the project, which runs near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The pipeline, completed in 2017, transports around 40% of North Dakota’s Bakken oil.

Greenpeace denied any wrongdoing and vowed to appeal, calling the lawsuit an attack on free speech. “We engage in peaceful protest,” said Greenpeace attorney Deepa Padmanabha, asserting the group had only a minor role in the demonstrations. However, Energy Transfer lawyer Trey Cox argued that Greenpeace’s actions were neither lawful nor protected speech.

The Dakota Access Pipeline faced intense opposition from environmental and tribal groups who warned it would threaten local water sources and worsen climate change. The protests became a global movement, drawing activists and celebrities to Standing Rock.

This ruling marks a significant legal precedent for advocacy groups engaging in environmental protests. If upheld, it could impact how organizations campaign against large-scale energy projects. Greenpeace remains steadfast in its stance, but the financial implications of the ruling could shape the future of environmental activism.