Judge Orders Greenpeace to Pay $345M to Energy Transfer Over 2016 Protests

Ruling stems from Dakota Access pipeline demonstrations that drew thousands to North Dakota.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A judge in Bismarck, North Dakota has ordered environmental group Greenpeace to pay $345 million in damages to Energy Transfer, the company that owns the Dakota Access oil pipeline. The ruling comes after a jury last year found Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA, and Greenpeace Fund Inc. liable for defamation and other claims related to the 2016-2017 protests against the pipeline's construction.

Why it matters

The massive judgment against Greenpeace is seen as a major victory for Energy Transfer and a blow to environmental activism. The protests against the Dakota Access pipeline drew national attention and highlighted the ongoing tensions between energy companies and indigenous groups and environmentalists over pipeline projects.

The details

In 2016 and 2017, thousands of people demonstrated and camped near the Dakota Access pipeline's Missouri River crossing, protesting the project as a threat to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's water supply. Last year, a nine-person jury found several Greenpeace entities liable for defamation and other claims brought by Energy Transfer and its Dakota Access subsidiary. While the original jury award was $500 million, the judge reduced the final judgment to $345 million.

  • In 2016 and 2017, thousands protested the Dakota Access pipeline construction.
  • Last year, a jury found Greenpeace liable for defamation and other claims.
  • This week, the judge filed papers indicating he will order Greenpeace to pay $345 million in damages.

The players

Greenpeace International

An international non-governmental environmental organization known for its high-profile protests and campaigns.

Greenpeace USA

The American branch of the Greenpeace environmental organization.

Greenpeace Fund Inc.

The fundraising and grant-making arm of Greenpeace in the United States.

Energy Transfer

A Dallas-based energy company that owns the Dakota Access oil pipeline.

Judge James Gion

The judge presiding over the case in Bismarck, North Dakota.

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What’s next

The judge has indicated he will sign the order to force Greenpeace to pay the $345 million judgment to Energy Transfer.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles between energy companies and environmental groups over major infrastructure projects, as well as the high stakes and potential financial consequences for activists who engage in high-profile protests.