Fossil fuel company’s lawsuit against Greenpeace heads to trial in North Dakota

A $300 million lawsuit by Energy Transfer Partners against Greenpeace is set to begin today in North Dakota, with experts warning the case could stifle free speech and activism.

Nina Lakhani and Rachel Leingang report for The Guardian.

In short:

Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the Dakota Access pipeline, accuses Greenpeace of defamation and inciting criminal activity during 2016-2017 protests led by Indigenous groups.
Legal experts call the case a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), aimed at silencing critics through costly litigation rather than seeking legitimate damages.
The trial is raising concerns about judicial bias, with Greenpeace’s requests to change venue or livestream proceedings denied, and local mailers appearing to influence public opinion.

Key quote:

“This case feels more like a trophy hunt and an attempt to shut down free speech rather than an actual good faith attempt to seek remedies for harm.”

— Kirk Herbertson, attorney and U.S. director for advocacy and campaigns at EarthRights International

Why this matters:

SLAPP lawsuits have become a powerful tool for corporations and wealthy individuals to intimidate activists, journalists, and advocacy groups. This case could set a precedent for how courts handle free speech protections, especially in environmental and Indigenous rights activism. The Dakota Access pipeline, long opposed by the Standing Rock Sioux, continues to operate despite legal challenges over its environmental risks. If Energy Transfer prevails, it may embolden other fossil fuel companies to target critics with similar lawsuits, further chilling public dissent.

www.theguardian.com

Fossil fuel company’s lawsuit against Greenpeace heads to trial in North Dakota

Some Utah cities commit to bringing renewable power to their homes

More rain is falling on New Hampshire. Why do we still hurt for water?

Philippine fishing and Indigenous communities wary of clean energy boom in Marcos stronghold

Scientists revise global warming projections, say small gains not enough

The subtle yet insidious ways climate change affects mental health

How California rules affect city pesticide use near schools

EPA claims ‘overwhelming rejection’ of EVs as it moves to loosen air pollution rules

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.