Greenpeace Faces $345M Lawsuit Over Dakota Access Pipeline Protests

Environmental group fighting for survival after North Dakota court ruling

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Greenpeace is facing a massive $345 million lawsuit from Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access oil pipeline, over protests that took place nearly a decade ago. A North Dakota judge has ordered Greenpeace to pay the hefty damages, which the environmental group says threatens its very existence. Greenpeace is vowing to appeal the ruling, calling the litigation "lawfare" intended to silence activists.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing legal threats facing environmental advocacy groups, as corporations seek to punish and deter protests against major energy projects. The massive damages awarded to Energy Transfer could set a dangerous precedent and have a chilling effect on future environmental activism.

The details

In 2016 and 2017, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe led protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which they said threatened their water supply. Thousands of supporters joined the protests, leading to hundreds of arrests. Energy Transfer, the company behind the pipeline, accused Greenpeace of exploiting the issue to promote its agenda, claiming the group paid professional protesters, organized trainings, and provided equipment to demonstrators. A jury found Greenpeace USA liable on all counts, including defamation, conspiracy, trespass, and interference. The judge later reduced the damages to $345 million, which Greenpeace says it cannot afford to pay.

  • The protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline took place in 2016 and 2017.
  • The jury verdict against Greenpeace was reached last year.
  • The judge's order to pay $345 million in damages was issued on Tuesday.

The players

Greenpeace

A global environmental advocacy organization that uses peaceful protest and confrontation to expose environmental problems and promote solutions.

Energy Transfer

A $64 billion Dallas-based energy conglomerate that owns and operates thousands of miles of oil pipelines, including the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

An indigenous tribe whose reservation is downstream from the Dakota Access Pipeline's Missouri River crossing, and who have long opposed the pipeline due to concerns about their water supply.

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What they’re saying

“We will be requesting a new trial and, failing that, will appeal the judgment to the Supreme Court of North Dakota, where Greenpeace International and the US Greenpeace entities have solid arguments for the dismissal of all legal claims against us.”

— Kristin Casper, General Counsel, Greenpeace International

“Greenpeace exploited what would have been a small, disorganized, local issue to promote its agenda. They are master manipulators and deceptive to the core.”

— Trey Cox, Attorney for Energy Transfer

What’s next

Greenpeace plans to appeal the judge's order to the North Dakota Supreme Court, where the group says it has "solid arguments" for dismissal of the claims against it.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing legal threats facing environmental advocacy groups, as corporations seek to punish and deter protests against major energy projects. The massive damages awarded to Energy Transfer could set a dangerous precedent and have a chilling effect on future environmental activism.