North Dakota Court Orders Greenpeace to Pay $345 Million in Dakota Access Pipeline Case

A North Dakota judge has finalized a judgment ordering Greenpeace to pay $345 million to Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline. This ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Energy Transfer, which accused Greenpeace of defamation, conspiracy, trespassing, and creating a public nuisance during protests against the pipeline that occurred from 2016 to 2017. The protests, which drew thousands of demonstrators, were primarily led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who argued that the pipeline threatened their water supply.

The GuardianEnvironmental Group Greenpeace Faces $345 Million Judgment in Pipeline CaseJudge to order Greenpeace to pay an expected $345 million in oil pipeline protest caseThe HillNorth Dakota Monitor

The original jury verdict in March 2025 awarded Energy Transfer approximately $667 million, but Judge James Gion later reduced this amount by nearly half. The final judgment, issued on February 24, 2026, holds three Greenpeace entities—Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA, and Greenpeace Fund Inc.—responsible for the damages. The judge's decision included an 11% interest rate on the total amount starting from the date of the jury's verdict.

North Dakota MonitorJudge to order Greenpeace to pay an expected $345 million in oil pipeline protest caseEnvironmental Group Greenpeace Faces $345 Million Judgment in Pipeline CaseNew York Times

Greenpeace has publicly denounced the lawsuit as an attempt to silence dissent and has indicated plans to appeal the ruling to the North Dakota Supreme Court. Marco Simons, interim general counsel for Greenpeace USA, stated, “Speaking out against corporations that cause environmental harm should never be deemed unlawful.” Greenpeace has expressed concerns about its financial ability to pay the judgment, revealing that it had only $1.4 million in cash and total assets of $23 million as of late 2024.

Judge to order Greenpeace to pay an expected $345 million in oil pipeline protest case

Kristin Casper, General Counsel for Greenpeace International, emphasized the organization's commitment to fighting the ruling, stating, “We will be requesting a new trial and, failing that, will appeal the judgment.” The organization maintains that it played a minimal role in the protests and that the claims against it lack substantial evidence.

Court orders Greenpeace to pay $345 mn to US oil pipeline company

Energy Transfer has welcomed the judgment, viewing it as a significant step in holding Greenpeace accountable for its actions during the protests. The company has accused Greenpeace of orchestrating violence and misinformation campaigns to disrupt the pipeline's construction. Trey Cox, an attorney for Energy Transfer, described Greenpeace as “master manipulators” and asserted that the organization exploited the protests for its agenda.

North Dakota MonitorEnvironmental Group Greenpeace Faces $345 Million Judgment in Pipeline CaseCourt orders Greenpeace to pay $345 mn to US oil pipeline companyJudge to order Greenpeace to pay an expected $345 million in oil pipeline protest caseNew York Times

The case has garnered significant attention due to its potential implications for environmental activism and free speech. Legal experts warn that the ruling could set a precedent for how corporations may use litigation to suppress dissent and intimidate activists. The outcome of Greenpeace's appeal may influence future protests and the legal landscape surrounding environmental advocacy.

Court orders Greenpeace to pay $345 mn to US oil pipeline company

While the jury found Greenpeace liable for various claims, the organization argues that it had little involvement in the protests and that the legal action is a form of “lawfare” aimed at intimidating activists. There is also a discrepancy regarding the extent of Greenpeace's involvement, with Energy Transfer alleging significant orchestration of protests, while Greenpeace maintains it was a minor participant.

North Dakota MonitorEnvironmental Group Greenpeace Faces $345 Million Judgment in Pipeline CaseCourt orders Greenpeace to pay $345 mn to US oil pipeline companyJudge to order Greenpeace to pay an expected $345 million in oil pipeline protest caseNew York Times

• “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, Greenpeace USA

New York Times

• “Speaking out against corporations that cause environmental harm should never be deemed unlawful,” — Marco Simons, Interim General Counsel, Greenpeace USA

New York Times

• “This legal fight is far from over,” — Kristin Casper, General Counsel, Greenpeace International

Court orders Greenpeace to pay $345 mn to US oil pipeline company

• “Energy Transfer’s legal representative, Trey Cox, argued that Greenpeace transformed what could have remained a minor, localized dispute into a major controversy to advance their own objectives.” — Trey Cox, Attorney for Energy Transfer

Environmental Group Greenpeace Faces $345 Million Judgment in Pipeline Case

The legal battle between Greenpeace and Energy Transfer continues to unfold, with significant implications for both the environmental movement and corporate accountability.

North Dakota Monitor