Greenpeace Faces Potential Bankruptcy in Landmark $300 Million Trial

Greenpeace heads to trial in North Dakota after Energy Transfer claims the group incited protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, seeking $300 million in damages. The outcome could reshape legal protections for environmental protests.

Greenpeace is poised to enter a pivotal trial on Monday in North Dakota, facing a $300 million lawsuit that could jeopardize the future of the environmental organization. The case arises from claims made by Energy Transfer, the owner of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which accuses Greenpeace of orchestrating disruptive protests nearly ten years ago near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

The protests, which drew significant attention, were primarily led by Native Americans who opposed the controversial pipeline. Greenpeace contends that the lawsuit represents an effort to suppress free speech and intimidate protest movements. According to the group's interim director, Sushma Raman, the lawsuit tests the limits of First Amendment rights under the current political climate.

Energy Transfer has refrained from commenting on the trial ahead of proceedings, but previously clarified that their case is not about suppressing speech but rather about legal compliance by Greenpeace and its affiliates. Along with the main organization, the Greenpeace Fund and Greenpeace International are also named in the lawsuit.

The stakes are high, as the damages sought amount to more than ten times Greenpeace's annual budget, presenting a significant financial risk. The trial is set to unfold over five weeks in a state court in Mandan, North Dakota, with many observers expressing doubt about Greenpeace’s ability to resonate with a conservative jury in the region.

This trial could have far-reaching implications for the future of environmental activism and the legal frameworks surrounding protest activities in the United States.