Greenpeace Held Liable for Aiding Unlawful Protests

Yesterday, a North Dakota jury found the environmentalist group Greenpeace liable for more than $660 in damages for its direct involvement during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in 2016 and 2017.

Showcasing paper trails of emails, expenses, and video footage, attorneys representing the pipeline argued that Greenpeace deployed a series of malign tactics that delayed the pipeline’s completion and incited violence towards law enforcement, pipeline operators, and surrounding communities. Some aspects of their case rested on Greenpeace’s support for the Red Warrior Society, a militant group that led attacks against security personnel, as well as a tactical defamation campaign orchestrated by Greenpeace that dissuaded lenders from investing in the pipeline.

Following the verdict, the pipeline’s attorneys stated: “This verdict serves as a powerful affirmation of the first amendment – peaceful protest is an inherent American right, however, violent and destructive protest is unlawful and unacceptable.”

We commend the leadership of the company that filed the lawsuit for having the courage to stand up and defend both themselves and our entire energy industry in a public trial. Given the fact Greenpeace was found liable for defamation, this outcome serves as a warning to radical activists around the country who unlawfully threaten our nation’s infrastructure and jeopardize our energy security. That said, our policymakers and industry leaders must remain vigilant. The threat posed by these antagonists and their funders remains – and we must continue to hold them accountable in the eyes of the law.