Energy Transfer controversies

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe files lawsuit seeking shutdown of Dakota Access Pipeline

Lawsuit filed

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The tribe seeks to overturn the Army Corps' May record of decision granting an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline's river crossing, to rescind the safety agency's approvals of spill response plans, and to shut down the pipeline developed by Energy Transfer. The tribe alleges the environmental review does not resolve issues of pipeline safety, spill response, threats to its sole source of drinking water, treaty rights, and federal obligations, and argues a spill would threaten its community's health and welfare.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe filed a new lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, seeking to overturn the Army Corps' May record of decision granting an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline's river crossing, to rescind the safety agency's approvals of spill response plans, and to shut down the pipeline developed by Energy Transfer. The tribe alleges the environmental review does not resolve issues of pipeline safety, spill response, threats to its sole source of drinking water, treaty rights, and federal obligations, and argues a spill would threaten its community's health and welfare.

Stated objective. To require the defendant agencies to respect the Tribe's Treaty rights and sovereignty and to protect the waters of the Missouri River; the suit also seeks to shut down the Dakota Access oil pipeline.

Greenpeace civil litigation and jury verdict

Energy Transfer pursued a further civil action seeking $300 million over alleged support for Dakota Access protests. A North Dakota jury later awarded Energy Transfer $666.8 million and found Greenpeace and affiliated entities liable for defamation, trespass, nuisance and civil conspiracy claims. Greenpeace denies the allegations and is appealing.

FERC proposes $20.2 million penalty for Energy Transfer and Rover Pipeline

Fine or penalty

FERC proposed that Energy Transfer Partners LP pay $20.2 million, alleging it misled the Commission about the purchase and demolition of a historic Ohio property that could have affected review of the Rover Pipeline. The proposal gave Energy Transfer and affiliate Rover Pipeline LLC 30 days to respond; the allegations are not stated as a final determination.

Energy Transfer lawsuit against environmental organizations

Energy Transfer sued Greenpeace USA, BankTrack and Earth First! under claims involving racketeering and defamation connected with Dakota Access protests. A federal court dismissed the lawsuit in 2019.

Dakota Access Pipeline opposition and construction-site clashes

The Dakota Access Pipeline drew intense opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and environmental activists over water, cultural-resource and consultation concerns. Protests produced hundreds of arrests and confrontations involving private security and law enforcement.