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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The trial between Energy Transfer Partners (see sustainability performance) and Greenpeace has commenced in Mandan, North Dakota
• Energy Transfer is suing Greenpeace for $300 million, alleging defamation and orchestrated criminal behavior during the 2016-2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests
• Concerns have been raised as over half the selected jurors have ties to the fossil fuel industry
🔭 The context: The Dakota Access Pipeline faced significant opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and environmental activists, citing threats to water supplies and sacred sites
• Energy Transfer claims Greenpeace's actions led to substantial financial losses and project delays
• Greenpeace contends the lawsuit aims to silence environmental activism and is a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP)
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This case highlights the tension between environmental advocacy and corporate interests in fossil fuel projects
• The outcome could set a precedent affecting future environmental protests and the ability of organizations to campaign against projects they deem harmful to the environment
⏭️ What's next: The trial is expected to last five weeks
• Observers are closely monitoring for potential biases due to the jurors' industry connections and the broader implications for free speech and protest rights
💬 One quote: "They didn’t think that there would ever be a day of reckoning, but that day of reckoning begins today," - Trey Cox, attorney for Energy Transfer
📈 One stat: Energy Transfer alleges it incurred over $82 million in security and property costs, and lost $80 million in profits due to the protests
See here detailed sustainability performance of Energy Transfer Partners L.P.
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