North Dakota Judge Finalizes $345 Million Judgment Against Greenpeace in Pipeline Case
A North Dakota judge has finalized a $345 million judgment against Greenpeace in 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 October ruling that significantly reduced a previous damages award.
Reduction from Initial Jury Award
In March, a jury had awarded Energy Transfer approximately $667 million in damages, but Judge Gion slashed this amount by nearly half in his October decision. The finalized judgment of $345 million reflects this reduction, marking a critical development in the long-running legal battle.
Greenpeace's Response and Legal Strategy
Greenpeace has strongly opposed the judgment, announcing plans to seek a new trial and, if necessary, appeal to the North Dakota Supreme Court. In a statement, the organization labeled the lawsuit as "a blatant attempt to silence free speech." Marco Simons, interim general counsel at Greenpeace USA and Greenpeace Fund, emphasized, "Speaking out against corporations that cause environmental harm should never be deemed unlawful."
Energy Transfer's Stance on Accountability
Energy Transfer 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 "analyzing possible next steps that we may choose to take to make sure they are held fully accountable."
Background of the Dakota Access Pipeline Protests
The Dakota Access Pipeline project, which began in 2016 and was completed in 2017 near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, faced intense opposition from environmental and tribal advocacy groups. Protesters argued that the pipeline threatened local water supplies and contributed to the climate crisis. The pipeline now transports about 40% of the oil produced in North Dakota's Bakken region.
Legal Actions and Counterclaims
Energy Transfer initially sued Greenpeace in a federal court in North Dakota in 2017, accusing the group of spreading false information about the project and funding protesters to disrupt construction. The jury's verdict in March included damages for defamation, trespassing, and conspiracy. In response, Greenpeace countersued Energy Transfer in the Netherlands in February under a European law designed to prevent lawsuits aimed at harassing activists, with that litigation still ongoing.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between corporate interests and environmental activism, with significant implications for free speech and protest rights in the United States.
