North Dakota Judge Orders Greenpeace to Pay $345M in Pipeline Protest Case

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A North Dakota judge has said he will order Greenpeace to pay damages expected to total $345 million in connection with protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline from nearly a decade ago. The judge's decision follows a jury verdict last year that found Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA, and Greenpeace Fund Inc. liable for defamation and other claims brought by pipeline company Energy Transfer and its subsidiary Dakota Access.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between environmental activism and the energy industry, with the massive damages award potentially setting a precedent for how courts handle protests against major infrastructure projects. The ruling also raises questions about the ability of advocacy groups to continue operating if hit with such substantial financial penalties.

The details

In his court filing, Judge James Gion said he would sign an order requiring the Greenpeace entities to pay the $345 million judgment to Energy Transfer. This figure is a reduction from the original jury award, which was around $750 million. The judge's latest order is expected to launch an appeals process in the North Dakota Supreme Court from both sides.

• The protests against the Dakota Access pipeline occurred nearly a decade ago.
• The jury verdict finding Greenpeace liable was issued last year.
• Judge Gion said he will sign the order requiring Greenpeace to pay $345 million.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge's order is expected to launch an appeals process in the North Dakota Supreme Court from both Greenpeace and Energy Transfer.