Greenpeace found liable for $300 million in damages in Dakota Access Pipeline lawsuit, First Amendment rights in question

After three weeks of hearings, a jury has found Greenpeace liable for $300 million in damages Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by Energy Transfer Partners.  The case stems from 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests near Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Energy Transfer claims Greenpeace orchestrated the protests, causing financial losses through property damage and lost revenue. Greenpeace maintains it played only a minor role in the Indigenous-led protests and argues the lawsuit threatens First Amendment rights. Greenpeace argues the $300 million lawsuit threatens these rights by holding them liable for all actions during protests they merely supported, potentially establishing a precedent that would discourage organizations from engaging in environmental advocacy. Legal experts warn that a ruling against Greenpeace could have a chilling effect on free speech and protest rights by making anyone who assists with protests responsible for all participant actions. The lawsuit has persisted for eight years, driven by Energy Transfer CEO Kelcy Warren. A previous federal case was dismissed in 2019 before refiling in state court. Critics worry about the trial location in energy-friendly Morton County and warn that a Greenpeace loss could have a detrimental effect on protest rights and potentially bankrupt its US operations.