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A North Dakota court has finalized a USD 345 million judgment against Greenpeace in a long-running lawsuit filed by Energy Transfer over protests linked to the Dakota Access Pipeline. The ruling follows a jury verdict that had originally awarded nearly USD 667 million in damages, later reduced by the judge. Greenpeace has said it will seek a new trial and, if required, appeal before the North Dakota Supreme Court. The case stems from demonstrations during the pipeline's construction near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation several years ago.
A North Dakota judge has finalized a USD 345 million judgment against Greenpeace in a lawsuit brought by pipeline operator Energy Transfer over the environmental group's involvement in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Advertisement
The ruling, issued by Judge James Gion in the past week, aligns with his earlier decision in which he reduced by nearly half the approximately USD 667 million in damages that a jury had awarded to Energy Transfer in March. The jury verdict had included damages related to defamation, trespassing and conspiracy claims.
Energy Transfer, which is based in Texas, had first filed the lawsuit in federal court in North Dakota several years ago. The company accused Greenpeace of spreading false information about the Dakota Access project and financially supporting protesters who allegedly disrupted construction activities.
Reacting to the final judgment, Greenpeace stated that it would pursue a new trial and, if necessary, take the matter to the North Dakota Supreme Court. The organisation described the lawsuit as an attempt to silence free speech. Marco Simons, interim general counsel at Greenpeace USA and Greenpeace Fund, said that speaking out against corporations accused of causing environmental harm should not be treated as unlawful.
Energy Transfer, in its response, termed the ruling an important step in the legal process of holding Greenpeace accountable for what it described as unlawful and damaging actions during the pipeline's construction. The company also said it was reviewing possible next steps to ensure full accountability.
The Dakota Access Pipeline project, located near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, began construction in 2016 and was completed in 2017. The pipeline currently transports roughly 40 percent of the oil produced in North Dakota's Bakken region, making it a key piece of energy infrastructure for the state.
At the time of construction, the project faced intense protests from environmental groups and tribal advocates. Opponents had argued that the pipeline posed risks to local water supplies and would worsen climate change. The protests drew national and international attention and led to large encampments near the construction site.
In a parallel development, Greenpeace initiated legal proceedings against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands in February under a European law designed to curb lawsuits seen as targeting activists. That case remains ongoing.
Source Reuters
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