Washington, D.C. (November 27, 2023) – In response to recent third party subpoenas issued by Energy Transfer, which target Indigenous and environmental justice advocates, Ebony Twilley Martin, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, said: “The operator of the Dakota Access Pipeline, Energy Transfer, is attempting to drag Indigenous and environmental justice advocates into this meritless lawsuit to stifle dissenting voices.
“For over six years, Greenpeace USA has been fighting lawsuits brought by Energy Transfer over the Indigenous-led resistance movement at Standing Rock. This type of legal bullying, known as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, is part of the corporate playbook to silence and intimidate dissenting voices who lack the financial means to fight these lawsuits. Energy Transfer is now attempting to expand this playbook by targeting Indigenous and environmental justice activists through the use of third party subpoenas. Now is the moment for us all to come together to send a message to Energy Transfer, and other corporations considering this tactic, that we will not be silenced and we will not tolerate legal bullying.”
“These legal actions are an insult to the many Indigenous water protectors who continue to lead the resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline and the continual threats and degradation of their historic lands. These attacks are a threat to our First Amendment rights to speak out, a threat to Indigenous rights, and a threat to the rights of nature. We will not let this meritless lawsuit silence us and distract our movements from all our work to win a green, just, and joyful future for all.”
Contact: Gujari Singh, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, [email protected], (631) 404-9977
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
