Greenpeace must pay $667 million to Energy Transfer over pipeline protests, jury finds
According to Reuters, A jury announced on Wednesday that Greenpeace is required to pay nearly $667 million in damages to Energy Transfer, a Texas-based pipeline company, due to the environmental group's involvement in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline that occurred in 2016-2017.
The North Dakota state court reached a verdict after two days of deliberations in a trial where Energy Transfer accused Greenpeace of unlawfully paying protesters to disrupt the construction of the pipeline and disseminating misleading information about the project, which is situated near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
The verdict resulted in damages for defamation, trespassing, and conspiracy. The jury awarded over $400 million in punitive damages, aimed at addressing the defendants' actions. Greenpeace characterized the case as an infringement on free speech rights, and has denied any wrongdoing. Lawyers for the organization have indicated plans to file an appeal.
Greenpeace protested construction of the pipeline, claiming the project would lead to contaminated water supply and worsening climate change.
Construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline began in 2016 and was completed the following year. The pipeline transports around 40% of the oil produced in the Bakken region of North Dakota.
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