Judge Upholds $345 Million Verdict Against Greenpeace in Dakota Access Pipeline Suit

The ruling could force the environmental group to file for bankruptcy in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A North Dakota judge has finalized a $345 million jury award against Greenpeace over the group's role in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The pipeline company, Energy Transfer, claimed Greenpeace played a major part in the protests, leading to construction delays and financial losses. Greenpeace has said the lawsuit was an attempt to silence its environmental advocacy and that the verdict undermines free-speech rights.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing tension between corporations and environmental activists, with companies increasingly turning to lawsuits to try to curb protests and criticism. The verdict against Greenpeace could set a precedent that makes it riskier for advocacy groups to speak out against corporate interests, even on issues of public concern like environmental protection.

The details

The judge, James Gion, rejected Greenpeace's request to overturn or reduce the $345 million verdict, which was originally $670 million before he cut it nearly in half. Gion said the jury had heard evidence from both sides and found Energy Transfer's claims more credible. Greenpeace has said it will seek a new trial and potentially appeal to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

  • The original $670 million jury award was handed down in 2025.
  • On February 27, 2026, Judge Gion finalized the $345 million verdict against Greenpeace.

The players

Greenpeace

An international environmental advocacy organization that was found liable for $345 million in a lawsuit brought by the Dakota Access Pipeline company, Energy Transfer.

Energy Transfer

The company that owns and operates the Dakota Access Pipeline, which sued Greenpeace over the group's role in protests against the pipeline's construction.

Judge James Gion

The North Dakota judge who finalized the $345 million verdict against Greenpeace.

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What they’re saying

“Speaking out against corporations that cause environmental harm should never be deemed unlawful. This is a setback, but the movement to defend people and the planet has always faced setbacks and resistance, and Energy Transfer will fail in its goal of silencing its critics.”

— Marco Simons, Interim general counsel at Greenpeace USA and Greenpeace Fund

“The jury heard that evidence and made their decision. The jury 'must have found the evidence presented by the plaintiffs to be more credible.'”

— Judge James Gion

What’s next

Greenpeace has said it will seek a new trial and potentially appeal the verdict to the North Dakota Supreme Court. The company has also filed a countersuit against Energy Transfer in an Amsterdam court, which is expected to be an early test of new European Union directives aimed at curbing SLAPP lawsuits.

The takeaway

This case underscores the growing legal risks faced by environmental advocacy groups that speak out against powerful corporate interests. The $345 million verdict against Greenpeace could have a chilling effect on free speech and activism, making it harder for organizations to challenge companies over issues like pipeline construction and environmental damage.