Story perspectives

$345M Judgment Against Greenpeace for Pipeline Protests

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

A North Dakota judge has finalized a $345 million judgment against Greenpeace for its involvement in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
The ruling followed a jury’s decision last year that Greenpeace hindered construction.
Greenpeace says the lawsuit is an attack on free speech.
Greenpeace filed a countersuit in the Netherlands against Energy Transfer, invoking anti-SLAPP laws to protect public participation rights.
Greenpeace plans to appeal the verdict.

History

Historical Context

The Dakota Access Pipeline protests began in April 2016, led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and supported by over 300 tribes, opposing the pipeline's threat to water and sacred sites. The protests gained national attention after violent clashes with law enforcement, culminating in a $345 million judgment against Greenpeace in 2023, reflecting ongoing tensions between corporate interests and environmental activism.

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Story summary

A North Dakota judge has finalized a $345 million judgment against Greenpeace for its involvement in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
The ruling followed a jury’s decision last year that Greenpeace hindered construction.
Greenpeace says the lawsuit is an attack on free speech.
Greenpeace filed a countersuit in the Netherlands against Energy Transfer, invoking anti-SLAPP laws to protect public participation rights.
Greenpeace plans to appeal the verdict.

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