Greenpeace’s $650M Liability in Dakota Access Pipeline Lawsuit: Key Facts

A North Dakota jury ruled on Wednesday that Greenpeace must pay a pipeline company hundreds of millions of dollars due to protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline.

The jury found Greenpeace responsible for defamation and other offenses, awarding Energy Transfer, a Dallas-based company, and its subsidiary Dakota Access over $650 million in damages.

The lawsuit alleged that Greenpeace International, based in the Netherlands, Greenpeace USA, and its funding arm, Greenpeace Fund Inc., engaged in defamation, trespass, nuisance, civil conspiracy, and other unlawful acts.

Greenpeace previously stated that a substantial award to the pipeline company could potentially bankrupt the environmental organization. Following the jury’s decision, Greenpeace’s senior legal advisor affirmed that the organization’s work “is never going to stop.”

For over half a century, this independent global campaigning network has been advocating for a wide range of environmental causes and has a history of significant legal battles.

Here are some key points to understand:

How was Greenpeace founded?

Environmental activists established the group in Vancouver, Canada, in 1971.

The network’s initial action focused on halting further nuclear weapons tests on Amchitka Island, located in the Aleutian island chain in southwest Alaska. They sailed to the island to “bear witness,” adhering to a Quaker tradition of protest.

The U.S. subsequently decided to abandon its nuclear testing sites on the island, marking Greenpeace’s first significant achievement.

Where did the name Greenpeace come from?

During the early efforts to stop nuclear weapons tests on Amchitka, Canadian ecologist Bill Darnell was leaving a group meeting when someone raised two fingers and exclaimed “peace!” according to Greenpeace’s website.

Darnell, now recognized as a founding member of Greenpeace, responded: “Let’s make it a Green Peace.”

The name was shortened to a single word to fit on buttons for the organization’s inaugural fundraiser.

What does Greenpeace do today?

Greenpeace identifies as the world’s largest environmental campaigning organization. It consists of numerous independent national and regional entities operating in over 55 countries, as stated on its website.

Its efforts to protect and restore vital ecosystems, and to challenge fossil fuel corporations, are rooted in nonviolent action. Its protests have included attempts to prevent Shell from drilling for oil in the Alaskan Arctic, demonstrations to end French atmospheric tests in the South Pacific, and campaigns to preserve Canada’s coastal rainforest.

Greenpeace and its activists have also faced charges and lawsuits. In 2023, four activists were arrested for climbing onto the country estate of former U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and covering it in black fabric to protest his plan to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. They were later acquitted of criminal charges.

Who supports Greenpeace?

Greenpeace is an independent network that does not accept funding from governments, corporations, or political parties, according to its website. It is funded by individual donations and foundation grants.

In 2023, Greenpeace USA reported approximately $40 million in revenue and support and about $38 million in expenses, according to its online financial statement.

Its website states that it does not consider any entity a permanent friend or enemy.

“If your government or company is willing to change, we will work with you to achieve your aims,” its website states. “Reverse course, and we will be back.”

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