Greenpeace Ordered to Pay More than $660 million for Role in Dakota Access Protests

In a landmark decision, a North Dakota jury has ordered Greenpeace to pay damages to Energy Transfer, the operator of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), for defamation and conspiracy during protests in 2016 and 2017. The ruling, issued earlier this week, is nearly a decade in the making. Jurors at the Morton County courthouse in Mandan, North Dakota, found the actions taken on behalf of Greenpeace to be unjustifiable. They cited the environmental group orchestrated a misinformation campaign that defamed the company, disrupted its operations, and damaged its reputation.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) praised the verdict, stating, “I’m grateful to Energy Transfer for initiating the lawsuit…thank you on behalf of American energy security… and most importantly, on behalf of the people of North Dakota.” Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) also chimed in, saying, “The Dakota Access Pipeline was built with the latest, greatest technology and safety features, and the company went through all of the required regulatory and permitting steps.” Senators Hoeven and Cramer both emphasized the critical role that the Dakota Access Pipeline plays for both North Dakota, and our nation’s energy.

The outcome of the lawsuit underscores the rule of law in the U.S., especially with regards to those that would disrupt, damage and destroy critical energy infrastructure projects. The Wall Street Journal’s Editorial Board wrote, “The left-wing group says the lawsuit is retribution for exercising its First Amendment speech and protest rights. But there’s no First Amendment right to defame or destroy.”

Energy Transfer highlighted the daily disruptions North Dakota residents and law enforcement endured during the protests, as well as the malicious campaign that delayed the project to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, calling the verdict a win for lawful expression over unlawful actions. The ruling sends a clear message that while public discourse and peaceful protest are protected rights, there is a legal boundary that groups must respect and maintain.