Judge Says He Will Enter $345 Million Order Against Greenpeace in Dakota Access Case

A North Dakota judge said he will finalize a $345 million damages order requiring Greenpeace entities to pay Energy Transfer over claims tied to Dakota Access pipeline protests.

(P&GJ) — A North Dakota judge indicated he will formalize a $345 million damages award against several Greenpeace organizations in litigation brought by Energy Transfer related to protests over the Dakota Access pipeline, according to AP News.

Judge James Gion filed court papers stating he intends to sign the order requiring Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA and Greenpeace Fund Inc. to pay damages to Dallas-based Energy Transfer. The amount reflects a reduction issued last year after a jury originally awarded approximately $667 million.

The underlying lawsuit stems from demonstrations in 2016 and 2017 near the Dakota Access pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, upstream of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s reservation. Energy Transfer alleged Greenpeace played a role in organizing and supporting protest activity that disrupted construction.

A nine-person jury previously found Greenpeace USA liable on multiple claims, including conspiracy, trespass, nuisance, tortious interference and defamation. The other Greenpeace entities were found liable on some claims.

The forthcoming order is expected to trigger appeals from both sides to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Greenpeace has maintained that it cannot afford to pay the judgment. In financial disclosures, Greenpeace USA reported limited cash reserves and stated that enforcement of the award could impact its ability to continue operations.

Greenpeace USA interim general counsel Marco Simons said that the organization plans to challenge the ruling.

Energy Transfer has previously described the jury’s findings as justified and signaled its own intention to pursue further legal action regarding the reduced damages, as reported by AP News.