Central ND News

Energy Transfer has been awarded $666.8 million in damages by a Morton County jury against Greenpeace, following claims of trespass, nuisance, and defamation related to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. The case involved multiple entities including Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA, and Greenpeace Fund Inc.

Trey Cox, lead attorney for Energy Transfer, described the verdict as "resounding," stating it was a significant moment for accountability. "It is a day of reckoning and accountability for Greenpeace," Cox said. He also expressed hope that the decision would bring healing to the Morton County community and law enforcement who worked to maintain order during the protests.

The Dallas-based oil company accused Greenpeace of inciting protests in 2016 and 2017 aimed at stopping the pipeline's construction under the Missouri River. These protests allegedly caused delays leading to missed deadlines, which could have allowed clients to switch to competitors. Energy Transfer also claimed that defamatory statements by Greenpeace led banks to withdraw support.

Cox further accused Greenpeace of misrepresenting events in an attempt to halt pipeline construction despite legal approvals. In response, a Greenpeace spokesperson said that their work would continue regardless of the judgment. "The work of Greenpeace is never going to stop," they said, indicating plans to appeal the verdict.

The spokesperson emphasized concerns over threats to First Amendment rights due to lawsuits like this one. Cox countered by asserting that while peaceful protest is an American right, violent actions are not acceptable.

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