Judge orders Greenpeace to pay an expected $345M in connection with oil pipeline protest case
The Hill
by Ashleigh FieldsFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A North Dakota judge has ruled that Greenpeace must pay $345 million in damages to Energy Transfer, a company involved in the Dakota Access oil pipeline project, following protests by environmental activists. The decision, which marks one of the largest legal penalties ever imposed on an environmental group in U.S. history, holds Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA, and Greenpeace Fund Inc. liable for damages tied to disruptions caused during the construction phase of the pipeline. This ruling could have significant implications for future activism and corporate accountability.
The Dakota Access pipeline has long been a contentious issue, with opponents arguing that it poses risks to the environment and Indigenous communities. Greenpeace, known for its high-profile campaigns, played a key role in organizing protests against the pipeline, which disrupted construction efforts. Judge James Gion’s ruling stems from legal claims brought by Energy Transfer, alleging that Greenpeace’s actions caused delays and financial losses.
This case highlights the growing tension between corporate interests and environmental activism. The penalty not only reflects the potential consequences of direct action protests but also sets a precedent for how companies might respond to future activism. For Greenpeace, the ruling could strain its global operations and fundraising efforts, as supporters may question whether their contributions could be used to pay such large damages.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/26/2026