Pipeline developer sues social movements

(Kallanish Energy News, Greensburg, 18 December 2017) Dakota Access Pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners (ETP) and Florida-based environmental publication Earth First Journal are arguing in federal court whether something called a “social movement” can be sued. ETP in August filed a lawsuit against enviro-groups Earth First, Greenpeace and BankTrack, alleging they issued false and misleading information about the $3.8 billion pipeline, to move North Dakota crude to Patoka, Ill., interfered with construction, and damaged the company's reputation and finances through illegal acts. The company's lawsuit, filed in federal court in North Dakota, seeks damages that could approach $1 billion, The Associated Press reported.