Judge to Order Greenpeace to Pay $345M in DAPL Protest Case

Ruling expected to launch appeal process in North Dakota Supreme Court

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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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 nearly a decade ago. The long-awaited order is expected to launch an appeal process in the North Dakota Supreme Court from both sides.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles between environmental groups and energy companies over major infrastructure projects. The large damages award could have significant financial implications for Greenpeace, raising questions about the ability of activist organizations to challenge such projects through protests.

The details

Last year, a jury found several Greenpeace entities liable for defamation, conspiracy, trespass, nuisance, and tortious interference related to the 2016-2017 protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. The original damages totaled $666.9 million, but a judge later reduced the judgment to $345 million. Energy Transfer, the pipeline company, plans to appeal the reduced damages, while Greenpeace has said it cannot afford to pay the judgment.

  • In 2016 and 2017, thousands of people demonstrated and camped near the Dakota Access pipeline's Missouri River crossing.
  • Last year, a nine-person jury found Greenpeace liable for various claims brought by Energy Transfer.
  • This week, the judge said he will sign an order requiring Greenpeace to pay $345 million in damages.

The players

Judge James Gion

The North Dakota judge who will sign the order requiring Greenpeace to pay $345 million in damages.

Greenpeace International

One of the Greenpeace entities found liable in the lawsuit brought by Energy Transfer.

Greenpeace USA

Another Greenpeace entity found liable, with a $404 million share of the original $666.9 million judgment.

Energy Transfer

The Dallas-based pipeline company that brought the lawsuit against Greenpeace over the Dakota Access pipeline protests.

Dakota Access

A subsidiary of Energy Transfer that was also involved in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“As mid-sized nonprofits, it has always been clear that we would not have the ability to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.”

— Marco Simons, Greenpeace USA interim general counsel (Associated Press)

“These claims never should have reached a jury, and there are many possible legal grounds for appeal – including a lack of evidence to support key findings and valid concerns about the possibility of ensuring fairness.”

— Marco Simons, Greenpeace USA interim general counsel (Associated Press)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between environmental activism and energy infrastructure development, with the large damages award potentially threatening the financial viability of Greenpeace's operations. The appeal process will determine whether the judgment stands or if there are grounds to overturn or reduce the damages.