Greenpeace has been ordered to pay over $660 million to Energy Transfer Partners LP after a jury found the environmental group liable for defamation and conspiracy related to protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. This ruling came from a North Dakota court, where the jury decided that Greenpeace’s actions during the protests nearly a decade ago harmed Energy Transfer’s business.
The Dakota Access pipeline, which runs from North Dakota to Illinois, was the center of significant protests that drew attention worldwide. These demonstrations included clashes between protesters and police, highlighting the contentious nature of the project. Energy Transfer claimed that the negative publicity from these protests cost the company "many hundreds of millions of dollars" and hurt its ability to secure funding.
In response to the verdict, Greenpeace announced plans to appeal, describing the lawsuit as "meritless." They expressed their determination to fight the ruling and seek a different outcome. Although the jury did not hold Greenpeace responsible for any direct actions taken by protesters, they did find that the organization interfered with Energy Transfer’s operations.
This case underscores the ongoing tensions between environmental advocacy and large energy companies, as both sides prepare for what could be a lengthy legal battle.