A judge in North Dakota just hit a $345 million pipeline ruling against Greenpeace over the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, a financial blow like nothing the group’s ever faced. This all goes back to the demonstrations at Standing Rock in 2016 and 2017, when the fight over the pipeline drew attention from around the world. Energy Transfer, the company building the pipeline, brought the lawsuit, saying Greenpeace crossed the line during those protests, accusing the group of pushing illegal actions.

Why Did a North Dakota Judge Approve the Verdict?

Last year, a jury ruled in favor of Energy Transfer after a closely watched trial, finding Greenpeace was involved in organizing, training, and funding protesters who opposed the construction of the oil pipeline. The judge has since ruled in favor of Energy Transfer, approving damages of around $345 million.

• Jury’s Original Award: The initial award was over $670 million in damages to Energy Transfer. However, this was before the case was reviewed by the court.
• Reduction By the Court: The judge, James Gion, reduced the amount by half to around $345 million.
• Claims Against Greenpeace: Energy Transfer claimed Greenpeace was responsible for organizing criminal activities associated with the protest at Standing Rock.
• Potential Bankruptcy: Greenpeace claimed the cost may potentially lead to bankruptcy.

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How Did Greenpeace Respond to the Court’s Decision?

Greenpeace has denied all the assertions and stated that they did not assist with any illegal acts but provided help for peaceful demonstrators in addition to supporting resistance led by Indigenous groups. Greenpeace sees this lawsuit as mainly a strategic attack against all activists.

Last March, Deepa Padmanabha (Senior Legal Consultant at Greenpeace USA) spoke on Democracy Now! and stated that this situation involves more than just one organization.

• Indigenous Removal: Padmanabha referred to this as “the erasure of the Indigenous leaders” as a result of the protests at Standing Rock.
• Free Speech Violation: She also suggested that this was a violation of the First Amendment rights associated with peaceful demonstration/free speech.
• Broader Movement Impact: Greenpeace further stated that this would set a dangerous precedent regarding how they treat all individuals trying to place pressure on their movement.

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What Could Happen Next in the Legal Battle?

Greenpeace is expected to appeal the ruling to the North Dakota Supreme Court, which is expected to prolong the legal battle. Legal experts say the appeal is likely to be based on the constitution’s advocacy and protest provisions.

Should the ruling be upheld, it is believed to have a significant impact on Greenpeace and other activist groups across the United States. As the $345 million pipeline ruling against Greenpeace is set to be appealed, the ruling is believed to be significant for the legal landscape for several years.

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