Judge Cuts Massive Damages Against Greenpeace in Pipeline Protest Case
A North Dakota judge has significantly reduced the damages awarded against Greenpeace from $667 million to $345 million for its role in Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Greenpeace views the case as corporate intimidation, while Energy Transfer remains silent on the recent decision.
A North Dakota judge on Wednesday significantly reduced jury-awarded damages against Greenpeace for its involvement in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Originally set at approximately $667 million, the damages were cut nearly in half to $345 million. Judge James Gion cited findings of duplicative or excessive damages as reasons for the reduction.
Greenpeace interim general counsel Marco Simons maintains that the remaining claims lack legal foundation, framing the lawsuit as an attempt by Energy Transfer, a wealthy corporation, to suppress opposition. Energy Transfer did not offer immediate comment on the amended judgment.
The Dakota Access Pipeline, operational since 2017, faced substantial protests spearheaded by environmental and tribal groups warning of ecological harm. Energy Transfer's lawsuit against Greenpeace included accusations of defamation and conspiracy, with Greenpeace responding with a countersuit in the Netherlands, focusing on laws against targeting activists.
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