Climate Politics
What the $660 Million Greenpeace Verdict Means for US Activism
Demonstrators hold signs protesting construction of the Dakota Access pipeline in February 2017.
Photographer: Andrew Harrer/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
A North Dakota jury this week found Greenpeace liable for defamation, conspiracy and other claims over its participation in the Dakota Access pipeline protests that lasted from 2016 to 2017, awarding developer Energy Transfer LP $660 million in damages. Legal experts warn the decision could significantly deter other environmental groups from protesting oil and gas companies and their infrastructure around the US.
“The potential for liability itself will have a chilling effect,” said Jennifer Safstrom, an assistant clinical law professor at Vanderbilt University.