(VitalNews.org) – Radical environmental group Greenpeace faces potential bankruptcy after a North Dakota jury slapped them with a massive $650 million penalty.
The landmark ruling delivers justice to Energy Transfer, the Texas-based oil company targeted by the eco-activists.
The jury found Greenpeace liable for defamation, trespass, nuisance, and civil conspiracy related to protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
After just two days of deliberation, jurors located just 100 miles from the protest site delivered their verdict against the organization known for its confrontational tactics.
Energy Transfer initially sought $300 million in damages, but the jury awarded more than double that amount, signaling their strong disapproval of Greenpeace’s methods.
The case centered around the 2016-2017 protests that drew thousands of activists to North Dakota.
Many of them engaged in disruptive and sometimes unlawful activities to block pipeline construction.
Energy Transfer founder Kelcy Warren made no apologies for taking legal action against the environmental group.
“It was time to fight back,” Warren stated firmly after years of watching his company’s reputation and operations suffer from activist interference.
The verdict includes findings of liability against three Greenpeace entities: Greenpeace USA was found liable on all counts, and Greenpeace International and Greenpeace Fund Inc. were found liable on some charges.
The ruling ensures the organization cannot simply shift resources between branches to avoid financial responsibility.
Greenpeace has announced plans to appeal, claiming the ruling threatens its survival after more than 50 years of radical activism.
Their legal team attempted to distance the organization from the protests, arguing they merely provided “nonviolent training” rather than leading the demonstrations that cost Energy Transfer millions in delays and security measures.
The Dakota Access Pipeline has been operational since 2017 despite continuous legal challenges from environmental groups and certain Native American tribes.
President Donald Trump authorized its completion early in his administration, recognizing the importance of critical infrastructure to American energy security and economic growth.
Although Greenpeace claims the verdict threatens free speech, Energy Transfer’s attorneys successfully demonstrated the difference between protected speech and unlawful interference with legitimate business operations.
The company’s leadership endured years of defamation and operational disruptions before pursuing legal remedies.
The trial faced criticism from left-wing organizations that claimed jury bias, with complaints that many jurors had ties to the fossil fuel industry.
This landmark ruling represents a crucial victory for American energy producers who have long been targeted by radical environmental groups opposing domestic oil and gas development.
Copyright 2025, VitalNews.org
