Greenpeace to Appeal $660 Million Defamation Verdict Over Dakota Access Pipeline Protests
A North Dakota jury has ordered environmental organization Greenpeace to pay over $660 million in damages to Energy Transfer Partners, the Texas-based corporation behind the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. The jury found Greenpeace liable for defamation, siding with Energy Transfer’s claim that the group funded and trained activists involved in Indigenous-led protests at Standing Rock.
Greenpeace strongly denies the allegations, stating it played only a minor role in the protests. The organization argues the lawsuit is part of a broader corporate effort to silence dissent and undermine First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest.
Human rights and environmental attorney Steven Donziger, who monitored the trial independently, criticized the legal process. He noted that the case was held in a region with strong fossil fuel industry ties, and said the jury was “predisposed” to favor Energy Transfer. Donziger described the trial as being based on “false narratives” aimed at punishing environmental activism.
Greenpeace attorney Deepa Padmanabha spoke outside the courthouse, condemning the verdict and reaffirming the organization’s commitment to nonviolent advocacy.
“What we saw these last three weeks was Energy Transfer’s blatant disregard for the voices of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe,” Padmanabha said. “This lawsuit threatens fundamental rights to peaceful protest and free speech. Greenpeace remains committed to defending those rights for everyone.”
Greenpeace has confirmed it will appeal the ruling, warning that the verdict could set a dangerous precedent for environmental and civil rights advocacy.