Former Greenpeace USA Executive Director Annie Leonard | Wikimedia Commons / Gage Skidmore
Former Greenpeace USA Executive Director Annie Leonard | Wikimedia Commons / Gage Skidmore
Former Greenpeace USA Executive Director Annie Leonard and other former Greenpeace employees have been testifying in a lawsuit filed by Energy Transfer, which is seeking $300 million in damages. The company alleges that Greenpeace incited violent protests that delayed the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) construction.
The trial has drawn national attention, featuring key witnesses such as Leonard, Iowa State University anthropologist Dr. Sebastian Braun, former Greenpeace manager Brent Maness, and Energy Transfer's VP of Public Relations, Vicki Granado.
During cross-examination, plaintiffs' counsel Trey Cox questioned Leonard about her use of the term "massive" to describe Greenpeace's role in the protests. An email from Leonard to her boss read, "We are doing massive stuff for Standing Rock." Another internal email said, "We have provided massive support for this cause since Day 1." Leonard explained that her use of "massive" was out of "exuberance," noting that Greenpeace’s role was not as substantial as initially described.
Leonard also addressed a $90,000 fund she raised for Indigenous groups and emails regarding lockboxes used in protests. She denied encouraging violence but acknowledged awareness of a rule bypassed during fundraising efforts.
Maness was questioned about internal communications related to the protests and expense reimbursements exceeding budgeted amounts. He claimed ignorance regarding certain protest tactics and emphasized that not all reimbursements were related to DAPL protests.
Dr. Braun testified on the cultural significance of land near Lake Oahe but admitted his testimony relied heavily on the Mentz Declaration submitted by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Energy Transfer Partners noted this declaration led to violent protests over Labor Day weekend.
Granado testified via video deposition about receiving personal threats during her work with Energy Transfer. She said she had not heard of Greenpeace's involvement until 2017.
The jury is expected to resume deliberations soon as the trial continues.
Information from this article can be found here.
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