Greenpeace is embroiled in a legal battle with Energy Transfer, facing a lawsuit seeking hundreds of millions in damages. Energy Transfer filed the lawsuit earlier this month in state court, accusing Greenpeace of defamation, trespass, nuisance, and civil conspiracy related to protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline nearly a decade ago. The protests, which occurred from April 2016 to February 2017, drew thousands, including over 10,000 demonstrators at their peak.
The lawsuit names Greenpeace International, based in Amsterdam, its Washington DC-based funding arm, Greenpeace Fund Inc., and Greenpeace USA. Energy Transfer aims to recover all damages and costs from Greenpeace, putting the environmental group at financial risk. Last month, Greenpeace stated that it could be forced into bankruptcy if required to pay the approximately $300 million in claimed damages, potentially ending over 50 years of environmental activism.
Greenpeace maintains that it did not lead the protests but supported "nonviolent, direct-action training." In response to the lawsuit, Greenpeace has counter-sued Energy Transfer in Dutch court, asserting that the oil firm is attempting to unfairly use the legal system to silence critics.
"Energy Transfer hasn't heard the last of us in this fight," stated Kristin Casper, Greenpeace International's general counsel.
The legal dispute highlights ongoing tensions between environmental activists and energy companies over pipeline projects. Greenpeace argues that such lawsuits threaten fundamental rights.
"Lawsuits like this aimed at destroying our rights to peaceful protest and free speech," commented Deepa Padmanabha, Greenpeace USA's senior legal adviser.
The protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline were significant events in Greenpeace's long history of activism. The organization has been involved in environmental advocacy for over half a century, with Greenpeace International serving as its parent group. Despite the legal challenges, Greenpeace remains committed to its mission and continues to contest Energy Transfer's claims.