Environmental activism just hit a $660 million roadblock. A North Dakota jury has delivered a crushing blow to Greenpeace, ordering the organization to pay hundreds of millions in damages for its role in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
At a glance:
• Greenpeace must pay over $660 million to Energy Transfer for defamation related to Dakota Access pipeline protests
• The Dallas-based oil company accused Greenpeace of orchestrating protests through misinformation campaigns
• Greenpeace denies the claims and plans to appeal, citing jury bias and trial irregularities
• The verdict threatens to financially devastate the environmental organization
• Legal experts warn this case could have chilling effects on First Amendment rights and peaceful protests
Record-Breaking Verdict Against Environmental Group
A North Dakota jury delivered what might be a death blow to one of America’s most prominent environmental organizations. Greenpeace has been ordered to pay a staggering $660 million in damages to Energy Transfer after being found liable for defamation and other claims related to the 2016-2017 Dakota Access pipeline protests.
The Dallas-based energy company argued that Greenpeace not only funded and trained protesters but deliberately spread misinformation about the pipeline project. Energy Transfer’s legal victory is one of the largest defamation awards in American history and sends a tough and clear message to activists about the consequences of interfering with infrastructure projects.
The jury found Greenpeace liable on all counts, including defamation, trespass, nuisance, and civil conspiracy. The financial penalty was divided among Greenpeace USA, Greenpeace Fund Inc., and Greenpeace International, with damages totaling nearly $666.9 million for their role in the protests that disrupted the pipeline project.
Energy Transfer Celebrates Victory For “Law-Abiding Americans”
Energy Transfer expressed satisfaction with the verdict. “While we are pleased that Greenpeace has been held accountable for their actions against us, this win is really for the people of Mandan and throughout North Dakota who had to live through the daily harassment and disruptions caused by the protesters who were funded and trained by Greenpeace,” the company stated.
The protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline attracted thousands of participants, including veterans and celebrities. Over 140 people were arrested during demonstrations that occasionally turned violent, prompting law enforcement to deploy tear gas and water cannons against protesters in freezing temperatures.
Despite the protests, the 1,172-mile pipeline has been operational since late 2017, carrying oil from North Dakota through South Dakota and Iowa to an oil terminal in Illinois. It currently transports approximately 750,000 barrels of oil daily.
JUST IN: Greenpeace Ordered to Pay Over $660 Million for Dakota Access Pipeline Protest Damages
In a landmark decision, a North Dakota jury found Greenpeace liable for damages stemming from protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, awarding Energy Transfer more than $660… pic.twitter.com/3yMipmaC8z
— MAGA Resource (@MAGAResource) March 20, 2025
Greenpeace Vows To Fight “Assault On Free Speech”
Greenpeace representatives have confirmed they will appeal the verdict, citing concerns about jury bias and procedural irregularities. The environmental group’s Interim Executive Director, Sushma Raman, called the case “an assault on free speech and protest rights,” adding: “This is the end of a chapter, but not the end of our fight.”
Critics of the trial pointed to potential bias, noting many jurors had ties to the fossil fuel industry. EarthRights International, an organization supporting Greenpeace, claimed there were “irregularities, which may amount to a violation of Greenpeace’s right to a fair trial.” The group confirmed this will form the basis of their appeal.
A jury in North Dakota has decided that the environmental group Greenpeace must pay hundreds of millions of dollars to the pipeline company Energy Transfer and is liable for defamation and other claims over protests in the state nearly a decade ago.
Energy Transfer Partners, a…— Mike Netter (@nettermike) March 20, 2025
