Rick Perry, Former Governor of Texas and former U.S. Secretary of Energy | X
Rick Perry, Former Governor of Texas and former U.S. Secretary of Energy | X
Rick Perry, U.S. Secretary of Energy for Energy Transfer, said that the recent North Dakota court verdict against Greenpeace is a pivotal moment that holds environmental groups accountable for destructive protest actions. The statement was made in an op-ed.
"The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, but it does not shield those who carry out destructive protest or break the law," said Perry, Former Governor of Texas and former U.S. Secretary of Energy. "The ruling is a major blow to shadowy NGOs that support and fund radical protesters intent on ending vital energy projects under the guise of doing what's right. Until the Energy Transfer–Greenpeace verdict, no one had been willing to take on the massively powerful environmental lobby. Kelcy Warren and Energy Transfer have proved that fighting back in the face of defamation, misinformation and destruction are worth it, even if it takes more than half a decade."
According to the National Sea Grant Law Center, the North Dakota court verdict against Greenpeace followed a lawsuit by Energy Transfer alleging that Greenpeace’s activities during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests contributed to significant disruptions and damages. The case addressed claims including civil conspiracy and tortious interference. The ruling reflects ongoing legal strategies targeting environmental organizations’ protest actions.
Colorado University reported that Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, experienced a nearly 20% decline in its stock value between August 2016 and September 2018 due to protests and related events. During this period, the S&P 500 rose almost 35%. The report also highlighted substantial material losses connected to protest actions.
According to the Climate Case Chart, a North Dakota jury found Greenpeace liable for substantial damages in the Energy Transfer v. Greenpeace International case. The verdict included claims such as trespass, defamation, nuisance, and tortious interference. The case marked a significant legal outcome related to environmental protests and pipeline development.
Perry served as the 14th United States Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019 under President Donald Trump and as the 47th Governor of Texas from 2000 to 2015, making him the longest-serving governor in Texas history.
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