North Dakota Judge Finalises $345 Million Judgment Against Greenpeace in Pipeline Case
A North Dakota judge has finalised a substantial $345 million judgment against Greenpeace, stemming from a lawsuit filed by pipeline company Energy Transfer over the environmental group's involvement in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The decision, issued by Judge James Gion on Friday, aligns with an earlier ruling from October, where he reduced a jury-awarded damages sum of approximately $667 million by nearly half.
Greenpeace Vows to Appeal and Seek New Trial
In response to the judgment, Greenpeace has announced its intention to pursue a new trial and, if necessary, appeal to the North Dakota Supreme Court. The organisation labelled the lawsuit as "a blatant attempt to silence free speech" and emphasised that advocating against environmentally harmful corporations should not be criminalised. Marco Simons, interim general counsel at Greenpeace USA and Greenpeace Fund, stated, "Speaking out against corporations that cause environmental harm should never be deemed unlawful."
Energy Transfer Hails Decision as Accountability Step
Energy Transfer, based in Texas, welcomed the judgment, describing it as an "important step in this legal process of holding Greenpeace accountable for its unlawful and damaging actions against us during the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline." The company added that it is currently evaluating potential next steps to ensure full accountability. The lawsuit, initially filed in a federal court in North Dakota in 2017, accused Greenpeace of disseminating false information about the project and funding protesters to obstruct construction.
Background on Dakota Access Pipeline and Protests
The Dakota Access Pipeline project, which commenced in 2016 and concluded in 2017 near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, now transports roughly 40% of the oil produced in North Dakota's Bakken region. Its construction sparked intense opposition from environmental and tribal advocacy groups, who argued it posed risks to local water supplies and contributed to the climate crisis. In March, a North Dakota jury found Greenpeace liable for damages related to defamation, trespassing, and conspiracy.
Ongoing Legal Battles and International Countersuit
In a parallel development, Greenpeace filed a countersuit against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands in February, invoking a European law designed to prevent lawsuits intended to harass or silence activists. This litigation remains ongoing, adding another layer to the complex legal disputes surrounding the pipeline protests. The case highlights broader tensions between corporate interests and environmental activism in the United States and internationally.
