After years of back and forth a North Dakota jury finds Greenpeace liable for damages costing over $660 million to Energy Transfer.

This dates back to 2019 when Energy Transfer filed a lawsuit against Greenpeace claiming the environmental campaign network used defamation and played a role in instigating the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline project in 2016, which led to damages in millions of dollars.

Greenpeace raises concern for how the verdict could affect free speech making the claim that Energy Transfer is aiming to silence the environmental movement. “We’re going to appeal. And we’re prepared to fight this all the way to victory.”, written on Greenpeace’s website addressing the verdict.

Silencing Protesters From Behind Lawsuits

The outcome of the Greenpeace vs Energy Transfer case has caused much worry to activists all around, questioning if this could induce more fear amongst protesters all while inspiring big corporations to target organizations with lawsuits in hopes to discourage those who want to speak out.

Environmental organization, The Sierra Club spoke out in an article stating “This suit by Energy Transfer could mark the evolution of SLAPPs from merely a form of harassment to a tool to actually eliminate corporations’ opponents. The rights of tribes, workers, consumers, and other everyday Americans are all at risk.”

After Energy Transfer had made the allegations and filed a lawsuit against Greenpeace there was much conversation around if this is simply consequential or silencing.

In an AP News article Energy Transfer’s spokesperson made the statement “It is not about free speech as they are trying to claim. We support the rights of all Americans to express their opinions and lawfully protest…when it is not done in accordance with our laws, we have a legal system to deal with that,” expressing their beliefs on the case all while disagreeing with Greenpeace’s claim about the attempt to silence those who speak up.

Legal & Financial Risks Future Protesters Fear

After the $660 million plus verdict activists wonder if this could become a common occurrence where big companies like Energy Transfer will use lawsuits to scare protesters into being silent.

Looking back to 2016 the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, some protesters faced charges, arrests and even injuries. Most activist groups and organizations acknowledge they are not funded enough to chance legal and financial risks.

Turning Silence Into Solidarity

Through the fear sparked by the Greenpeace vs Energy Transfer verdict activists are still strong-willed and stand in solidarity with their communities, using cases like this to inspire others. Not taking it as a sign to minimize their voices but to continue to spread awareness and stand up for what they believe in.

“I think something that helps me stay positive is thinking about all of the people trying their best to fight for what’s right and for change… I’m strong in my beliefs and I’m not going to stop advocating for myself and others”, says Marly Cruz, 18, an activist attending Butte College on how she persists through the challenges protesters face.

Remaining confident and continuing to stand up for what you believe in is one of the strong traits protesters can have. Marly states, “Something that helps me gain confidence in what I believe is in knowing that my words and me speaking out can inspire people to do the same.”

“I know with myself I’m strong in my beliefs and that I’m not going to stop advocating for myself and others,” she says. This is not the first time protesters have pushed back in being silenced, while this case has been going on for years, so has the ongoing advocacy.

“Silence is compliance and without our words we are nothing. Being proud in who you are and where you come from could inspire people to speak out for themselves and others,” Marly concludes.

Although the fight for free speech and environmental protection continues, along with the plans Greenpeace has to appeal the verdict, organizations like The Sierra Club, ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), and many activists are still optimistic about the future of protesting.

Sources-

News Articles:

Energy Transfer lawsuit verdict – Greenpeace

Greenpeace says a pipeline company’s lawsuit threatens the organization’s future | AP News

Jury finds Greenpeace liable for more than $660 million in relation to pipeline protest damage | CNN. Greenpeace must pay at least $660m over Dakota pipeline protests, says jury

Greenpeace verdict is ‘weaponization of legal system’, advocacy groups say

Courts Need to Slap Down SLAPP Suits Like the One Targeting Greenpeace | Sierra Club

Court documents:

Energy Transfer LP v. Greenpeace International – Climate Change Litigation