North Dakota Judge Moves To Enforce $345 Million Against Greenpeace
A North Dakota judge said he will order several Greenpeace entities to pay $345 million to Energy Transfer after a jury found them liable over protests at the Dakota Access pipeline.
Overview
A North Dakota judge said he will order several Greenpeace entities to pay $345 million to Energy Transfer after a jury found them liable in litigation over Dakota Access pipeline protests.
A nine-person jury awarded roughly $660 to $667 million to Energy Transfer, which Judge James Gion reduced to $345 million, and the judge said he would sign an order reflecting that reduction.
Greenpeace International General Counsel Kristin Casper said the groups will request a new trial and appeal the judgment to the North Dakota Supreme Court, while Energy Transfer attorney Trey Cox accused Greenpeace of organizing and funding protests.
Greenpeace reported $1.4 million in cash and $23 million in total assets as of Dec. 31, 2024, and Energy Transfer is a $64 billion company that operates pipelines in 44 states.
The judge nticipated order is expected to be entered formally and prompt appeals to the North Dakota Supreme Court, and Greenpeace said enforcement of the judgment would prevent it from continuing normal operations.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Greenpeace as an embattled, sympathetic actor facing an existential legal threat by using a dramatic lede ("fighting for its life"), foregrounding organizational history and mission, and emphasizing the jury award and appeals. Sharp accusations from Energy Transfer are included as source content, giving contrast without overt editorial endorsement.
FAQ
The Dakota Access Pipeline protests, also known as Standing Rock protests, were grassroots Native American-led actions starting in April 2016 against the pipeline's construction near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, raising concerns over water resources and sacred sites, ending in February 2017 after law enforcement evictions.
Energy Transfer sued Greenpeace alleging they exploited the 2016-2017 protests, organized and funded them leading to violence, property destruction, construction delays, defamation, and sabotage of business relationships.
A nine-person jury awarded Energy Transfer approximately $660-667 million in damages against Greenpeace entities; Judge James Gion reduced it to $345 million.
Greenpeace plans to request a new trial and appeal the judgment to the North Dakota Supreme Court, arguing issues like First Amendment protections and improper venue.
Greenpeace reported $1.4 million in cash and $23 million in total assets as of Dec. 31, 2024; Energy Transfer is a $64 billion company operating pipelines in 44 states.
