Greenpeace, the prominent environmental group, has been ordered by a jury to pay more than $660 million in damages following a lawsuit from Energy Transfer. The legal battle stemmed from Greenpeace's protest activities against the construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline. The jury concluded that Greenpeace was liable for defamation and other claims, with Greenpeace USA, Greenpeace Fund Inc., and Greenpeace International collectively responsible for the hefty payment.
A significant portion of the damages, nearly $404 million, was attributed to Greenpeace USA. Meanwhile, Greenpeace Fund Inc. and Greenpeace International were each ordered to pay roughly $131 million. The total damages assessed against Greenpeace amount to nearly $666.9 million. Energy Transfer accused Greenpeace of paying outsiders to protest, conducting blockade trainings, and disseminating false information about the pipeline project.
Energy Transfer expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing its impact on local communities affected by the protests.
"While we are pleased that Greenpeace has been held accountable for their actions against us, this win is really for the people of Mandan and throughout North Dakota who had to live through the daily harassment and disruptions caused by the protesters who were funded and trained by Greenpeace," Energy Transfer stated.
Greenpeace's senior legal advisor, Deepa Padmanabha, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to its goals despite the verdict.
"That's the really important message today, and we're just walking out and we're going to get together and figure out what our next steps are," Padmanabha said.
The protests against the Dakota Access pipeline construction were marked by significant mobilization efforts from Greenpeace. This included sending supplies for blockades and organizing protester trainings in the area. Energy Transfer argued that these actions were unlawful and warranted accountability.
Greenpeace International General Counsel Kristin Casper emphasized that their mission against fossil fuels persists.
"The fight against Big Oil is not over today," Casper declared.
