Greenpeace Ordered to Pay $650 Million in Pipeline Defamation Case

A North Dakota jury found Greenpeace liable for defamation and other claims against Energy Transfer, raising concerns over free speech and the future of activism.

The jury awarded over $650 million in damages to Energy Transfer, marking a significant financial blow to Greenpeace.
The lawsuit accused Greenpeace of defamation, trespass, nuisance, and conspiracy related to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in 2016 and 2017.
Greenpeace plans to appeal the decision, citing threats to First Amendment rights and the potential chilling effect on activism.
Critics have labeled the lawsuit a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), designed to silence dissent and burden defendants financially.
Concerns were raised about the fairness of the trial, including jury ties to the fossil fuel industry and the local court's rejection of venue change requests.