Greenpeace seeks reduction of $667 million jury award in pipeline case

Greenpeace is asking a North Dakota judge to reduce a $667 million jury award it was ordered to pay Energy Transfer, the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline, calling the amount excessive and inconsistent with state law, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Greenpeace attorney Steven Caplow argued the damages exceed legal caps and include costs not directly tied to the organization’s actions during the 2016 and 2017 protests. Caplow also said the jury form failed to allow jurors to distinguish Greenpeace’s responsibility from that of other groups. Energy Transfer attorney Trey Cox said the award reflects the evidence and should stand. Judge James Gion took the motion under advisement. A hearing is scheduled for May 27, and Greenpeace USA has announced plans to appeal to the North Dakota Supreme Court.