Greenpeace finds itself in a precarious position as a trial begins in North Dakota that could determine the organization's financial future. The lawsuit, filed in state court, accuses Greenpeace of unspecified actions related to the protests against a controversial pipeline. Authorities arrested hundreds during these protests, which began in April 2016 and ended in February 2017. The trial, set to last five weeks, could have dire consequences for Greenpeace, potentially forcing it to pay $300 million in claimed damages, a sum that could drive the organization to bankruptcy.
The protests gained global attention during former President Donald Trump's first term as Native American groups set up encampments to block the pipeline near Standing Rock. At its peak, over 10,000 protesters gathered on-site. Law enforcement responded with force, employing pepper spray, freezing water, sound cannons, bean-bag rounds, and rubber bullets. The National Guard and police ultimately cleared the protest site in February 2017.
Energy Transfer, the company behind the pipeline, initially filed a similar federal lawsuit in 2017. They argued that Greenpeace and other protesters violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The state's former governor, Doug Burgum, who now leads the federal agency on public lands for the Trump administration, has been a significant figure in these proceedings.
The lawsuit names not only Greenpeace USA but also its Washington DC-based funding arm, Greenpeace Fund Inc., and its Amsterdam-based parent group, Greenpeace International. In response to these legal challenges, Greenpeace has countered by suing Energy Transfer in Dutch court, alleging that the company is leveraging the legal system to silence its critics.
"All damages and costs it has suffered as a result of ET's back-to-back, meritless lawsuits," Greenpeace stated regarding the financial pressures stemming from the ongoing legal battles.
The trial is taking place in conservative North Dakota, where jury selection began on Monday. This setting adds an additional layer of complexity to the proceedings. Greenpeace argues that the trial could end over 50 years of environmental activism.
"Could face financial ruin, ending over 50 years of environmental activism," Greenpeace warned about the potential bankruptcy if they are found liable for the damages.