Dallas, TX
Dallas-based Energy Transfer’s $300 million trial against Greenpeace begins today
After nearly eight years, Dallas-based pipeline company Energy Transfer LP’s $300 million trial against Greenpeace USA is set to begin Monday in North Dakota.
Energy Transfer is accusing the longtime nonprofit and other activists of defamation and damages over claims related to protests surrounding the construction of the nearly 1,200-mile Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016.
Before the trial, Mi Barrio 214, a Pleasant Grove art studio, became the gathering place last week for local and national activists, tribal members, artists and community leaders to create climate justice banners and signs against Energy Transfer.
On Saturday, a peaceful march took place on the Ronald Kirk pedestrian bridge with wings representing hummingbirds and banners that read “We will not be silenced” and “End big oil’s attack on free speech,” with about 35 people.
The protests in 2016 and 2017, which erupted because pipeline construction endangered sacred lands and threatened the area’s water supply, were organized by Standing Rock and other Sioux tribes and supported by more than 300 sovereign tribal nations. They inspired an international solidarity movement after Energy Transfer’s private security unleashed attack dogs and pepper spray on nonviolent protesters.
Joseph White Eyes, who grew up in Eagle Butte on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and participated in the 2016 protests, came to Dallas for the march to send a message to Energy Transfer. White Eyes said Greenpeace was not the organizer of the protests; it was an indigenous-led movement.
“To take that narrative away for that Indigenous people that were able to stand up and do this type of resistance like we’ve done, for the past 100 years, is a complete slap in our face,” White Eyes told The Dallas Morning News. “Because then again, it goes to show that people of color are on the sidelines, and it’s these big white organizations that are in charge.”
Energy Transfer, led by North Texas billionaire Kelcy Warren, said Greenpeace and others incited protests, spread misinformation, and vandalized the project, which, according to the lawsuit, cost Energy Transfer millions of dollars in delays.
The company stated via email, “Our lawsuit against Greenpeace is about them not following the law. 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. However, when it is not done in accordance with our laws, we have a legal system to deal with that. Beyond that, we will let our case speak for itself.”
More than 400 organizations worldwide signed an open letter denouncing the lawsuit as meritless and an attempt to rewrite history by claiming that Greenpeace orchestrated what was an Indigenous-led movement.
Greenpeace has denounced the lawsuit as a “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation” case. SLAPP suits are civil litigation that individuals and entities bring to dissuade their critics from continuing to produce negative publicity. According to Cornell Law School, by definition, SLAPP suits do not have any true legal claims against the critics.
The Obama administration halted construction in 2016, but the project resumed following an executive order in the early days President Donald Trump’s first term. The pipeline was completed soon after and began operating commercially in June 2017.
Warren and his wife are major political donors. Politico’s E&E News reported the pair have donated upward of $30 million since 2010, primarily to Republican candidates. Warren donated about $5 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Rogelio Meixueiro, a North Texas activist and Greenpeace organizer, said Dallas residents need to know the connection between this lawsuit and their city.
“A lot of the big oil industry deals take place in Dallas, and this is where the headquarters of Energy Transfer is, and Warren lives here,” Meixueiro said. “In the community, he is seen as a great philanthropist and someone who supports many causes, but he has also put the land and water of some communities at risk.”
Warren paid $10 million to name the 5.2-acre park Klyde Warren Park in honor of his son, The News reported.
Energy Transfer is represented by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher – the firm that represented Chevron against Steven Donziger, an environmental advocate sued by the firm after helping Amazonian communities in Ecuador win a landmark pollution case. Davis Wright Tremaine, a firm known for representing First Amendment cases, represents Greenpeace.
The five-week jury trial in Mandan, North Dakota, will not be streamed live.
Phoenix Amaterasu was one of the about 30 community members who were at the Mi Barrio 214 studio to connect with others who were there to support the cause.
Amaterasu traveled from Austin and others from D.C., Chicago, California, Seattle and North Dakota.
“They can try to silence people and nature, but we will persevere no matter what,” said Amaterasu, spraying green and blue paint on the cardboard hummingbird wings. “We have to protect our nature. That is our duty. We are done with the big oil industry.”
The Dallas Cowboys were initially in the mix for Las Vegas Raiders superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby ahead of NFL free agency, and were believed to be one of the finalists in trade talks. However, he was ultimately traded to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks.
Now, the NFL world has been turned on its head with the Ravens deciding to pull out of the trade agreement with Las Vegas.
On Tuesday night, NFL insider Adam Schefter was among the experts discussing what went wrong between the Raiders and Ravens, revealing that Cowboys team physician Dr. Daniel Cooper, one of the premier knee specialists, played a role in the Ravens’ evaluation of Crosby.
Schefter discussed how Dr. Cooper was among the doctors who reviewed scans on Crosby’s knee, which ultimately spooked the Ravens and triggered the end of the deal.
“The Baltimore Ravens essentially failed him on their physical, and my understanding is there were multiple doctors that reviewed his MRI scans,” Schefter said. “There were doctors that examined him, including Dr. Daniel Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys doctor that performed surgery on Patrick Mahomes and Malik Nabers.
“Many teams and players rely on Dr. Cooper’s expertise, and Dr. Cooper was one of the doctors who reviewed the images where the Ravens then felt compelled to back out of this trade.”
It’s hard not to connect the dots that Dr. Cooper’s involvement in the medical review of Crosby led to the team deciding against re-engaging in trade discussions. Though that could change, currently, the Cowboys are expected to move forward with Pro Bowl EDGE Rashan Gary, who the team agreed to acquire from the Green Bay Packers for a 2027 fourth-round pick on the first day of legal tampering.
It will be interesting to continue monitoring the situation and its fallout, which has left the Raiders in a terrible position.
But, with the Raiders now forced to re-examine the money they committed to free agents on Wednesday evening, they may have to pull out of one of their own agreements, which could open the door for the Cowboys to reopen their pursuit of a linebacker like Nakobe Dean or Quay Walker.
The 2026 NFL calendar year officially begins on Wednesday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m. ET, so get your popcorn ready, because it’s going to be a wild ride.
— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
Dallas Cowboys Nation’s hopes of landing superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby were dashed last weekend when it was announced that he was being traded to the Baltimore Ravens. However, less than 24 hours before the new year, the trade has fallen apart.
On Tuesday night, the Las Vegas Raiders announced that the Ravens have backed out of the trade.
“The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” the statement read. “We will have no further comment at this time.”
The news sends a major ripple for the league, with the Crosby sweepstakes once again open. Before his trade to the Ravens, the Cowboys were considered one of the teams closely monitoring the situation and a team that made a legitimate offer for Crosby.
At this time, there is no word on why the trade between Las Vegas and Baltimore fell through. When the trade was first reported, the Raiders were set to receive a 2026 and 2027 first-round pick from the Ravens.
Now, his future is in limbo. Before he was traded to the Ravens, it was believed that the Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Los Angeles Rams were the top candidates to land him. In fact, the Cowboys were “considered runner-ups” in the sweepstakes.
Dallas’ Original Trade Offer
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys initially offered the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 draft, a 2027 second-round pick, and an unnamed veteran player.
“Dallas kept a hard line throughout. The franchise wasn’t willing to part with two first-round picks, hoping its 12th pick in April’s draft, plus a future second-rounder, would be enough to entice Las Vegas. Dallas was also willing to package a veteran player to sweeten the deal, but Vegas wasn’t interested in that. The Raiders prioritized picks,” Fowler wrote.
Last season, Crosby recorded 73 total tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, 20 quarterback hits, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
We’ll have to see if Dallas ends up being his new home, now that the team has a second chance to make something special happen, but there will be some serious competition. The 2026 NFL calendar year officially begins on Wednesday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
DALLAS – Severe thunderstorms are forecast to return to North Texas late Tuesday, bringing threats of damaging hail, high winds and localized flooding. While the primary concerns are wind and hail, a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
Tuesday Forecast
Dallas weather: Mar. 10 morning forecast
We have another chance of severe storms starting Tuesday afternoon. Meteorologist Ali Turiano has your forecast and everything you need to know ahead of the storms.
Scattered showers and storms are expected to develop as a dryline to the west moves into the region. Storm conditions are expected to intensify as the day progresses.
The greatest concerns remain damaging winds and large hail. The leading edge of the storm front will likely be the most intense, with the potential for straight-line winds and brief spin-up tornadoes.
LIVE Radar: Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas Storms: Timing and Impact
The highest potential for severe weather in the Metroplex is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., though lingering activity could continue until 2 a.m. Wednesday. Residents are advised to seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued for their area.
7-Day Forecast
A final round of storms is expected Wednesday, primarily between noon and 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. These storms carry a threat of half-dollar-sized hail and damaging winds.
Behind this system, North Texas will dry out and briefly cool off. Sunny skies return Thursday with a high in the mid-60s. Temperatures will then warm into the upper 70s on Friday before a sunny weekend with highs in the low 80s.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the National Weather Service and FOX 4 forecasters.
Nearly 40% of California produce contains PFAS pesticides, report finds
Jessica Pegula’s commitment to hard work every day has turned her into a leader
Not ‘a litre of oil’ to pass Strait of Hormuz, expect $200 price tag: Iran
Tornadoes hit Illinois, Indiana and Texas as severe storms sweep US
Coast Guard rescue swimmer dies after medical evacuation mission off Washington coast turns tragic
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Not ‘a litre of oil’ to pass Strait of Hormuz, expect $200 price tag: Iran
Tornadoes hit Illinois, Indiana and Texas as severe storms sweep US
EXCLUSIVE: ICE says El Paso detention facility will stay open under new contractor after $1.2B deal scrapped
Von der Leyen ‘acting outside of competence,’ Araud tells Euronews
Wheelchair curler Steve Emt’s path from drunk driver to three-time Paralympian
-
Wisconsin1 week agoSetting sail on iceboats across a frozen lake in Wisconsin
-
Massachusetts1 week agoMassachusetts man awaits word from family in Iran after attacks
-
Detroit, MI5 days agoU.S. Postal Service could run out of money within a year
-
Pennsylvania6 days agoPa. man found guilty of raping teen girl who he took to Mexico
-
Miami, FL7 days agoCity of Miami celebrates reopening of Flagler Street as part of beautification project
-
Sports7 days agoKeith Olbermann under fire for calling Lou Holtz a ‘scumbag’ after legendary coach’s death
-
Virginia7 days agoGiants will hold 2026 training camp in West Virginia
-
Culture1 week agoTry This Quiz on the Real Locations in These Magical and Mysterious Novels