Greenpeace USA is facing bankruptcy over the Keystone XL Pipeline protests

Greenpeace may soon have to come up with some major greenbacks to avoid bankruptcy in the US. The environmental group’s American arm is currently facing an existential threat from a lawsuit accusing Greenpeace of inciting months-long protests against the Keystone XL Pipeline in North Dakota several years ago.

Background: In 2016, thousands of Greenpeace members, Native Americans, and activists gathered to protest against the pipeline, which they said encroached on tribal land and endangered the local water supply.

The following year, Dallas-based Energy Transfer sued Greenpeace over accusations that it incited the protests, spread misinformation, and vandalized the project, leading to delays and significant extra costs for the oil giant.

• Energy Transfer is seeking $300 million in damages, with that figure rising as high as $1 billion including punitive costs – a sum Greenpeace says would bankrupt its US operations.

On the flip side: Greenpeace says it only played a supporting role in the protests, and denies engaging in any property destruction or violence. The group also argues that accusations of spreading false claims about the Keystone XL Pipeline should be thrown out on First Amendment grounds.

👀 Looking ahead… The trial between Greenpeace and Energy Transfer is scheduled to begin in February 2025.