STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY:

DEFENDING FREE SPEECH AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AGAINST CORPORATE ABUSE IN ENERGY TRANSFER LP V. GREENPEACE CASE

As environmental and human rights organizations committed to protecting free speech, Indigenous sovereignty, and the right to protest, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the Trial Monitoring Committee in its crucial work to observe the ongoing Energy Transfer v. Greenpeace USA trial. This case is a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP)—a blatant attempt by a powerful corporation to silence those who speak out against environmental destruction and corporate abuse.

SLAPP lawsuits are a known tactic used by corporate interests to intimidate, drain resources, and suppress voices that expose their harmful practices. Energy Transfer, the pipeline giant behind the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), has a long history of disregarding environmental protections and violating Indigenous rights. It recently was convicted of 48 criminal violations of environmental laws in Pennsylvania; Indigenous peoples have accused the company of contaminating their drinking water sources and running roughshod over their cultural sites. Now, instead of being held accountable, Energy Transfer is abusing the legal system to punish its critics and deter future resistance to fossil fuel expansion.

The Trial Monitoring Committee—a group of independent legal experts and human rights observers—is an essential safeguard against corporate overreach in the courtroom. By ensuring transparency and public accountability, these monitors play a vital role in documenting any judicial bias, misconduct, or corporate influence over the proceedings. Their presence helps protect fundamental democratic rights, including the right to a fair trial, and prevents the U.S. legal system from being weaponized against those defending the environment and human rights.

We, the undersigned, are independent from Greenpeace USA and are not parties to the lawsuit. However, we recognize that this case is not just about one organization—it is about the future of free speech, environmental advocacy, and the right to challenge powerful industries that harm people and the planet.

The Energy Transfer SLAPP suit against Greenpeace is a dangerous escalation in the broader effort by the fossil fuel industry to criminalize protest, suppress public dissent, and erode fundamental freedoms. If successful, it could set a chilling precedent that would allow corporations to use litigation as a tool of intimidation, discouraging activism and advocacy worldwide.

We call on Judge James Gion to dismiss this illegitimate and illegal SLAPP lawsuit. We also call on the public, the media, and all defenders of democracy to pay close attention to this case. We urge the courts to uphold the right to dissent without fear of retaliation, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing with frontline communities, Indigenous nations, and environmental defenders who risk everything to protect our shared future.

In defense of free speech, environmental justice, and the right to protest, we support the Trial Monitoring Committee and its mission to ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency in this critical trial.

Signed,

Amazon Watch

Breach Collective

Defending Rights & Dissent

Food & Water Watch

Healthcare Across Borders

Long Island Progressive Coalition

Media Alliance

Oil Change International

Pachamama Alliance

Rainforest Action Network

Sunrise Movement

Oil and Gas Action Network

Climate Defiance