Vermont Conversation: Celebrating and defending protest, America’s founding principle
VTDigger’s Vermont Conversation features activists Annie Leonard and André Carothers, co-authors of “Protest: Respect It, Defend It, Use It,” warning that protest rights face legal pressure. The International Center for Not-For-Profit Law says nearly 400 anti-protest bills were introduced in 45 states. Leonard cites SLAPP suits, including Energy Transfer’s $660 million award (reduced to $345 million) against Greenpeace over Dakota Access protests.
Background
The article is a Vermont-focused podcast interview on the right to protest, anti-protest legislation/SLAPPs, and a historical example involving Greenpeace and Dakota Access Pipeline-related litigation.
Why it matters
It frames protest and SLAPP litigation as tools that can delay or deter projects, using the Arctic drilling cancellation and a prior jury award as illustrative cases.
Market relevance
Only indirect relevance to energy majors via perceived project-risk and litigation/regulatory exposure; no new tradable corporate event is provided.
Market effects
Highlights legal/regulatory and reputational risks for energy majors facing activism and SLAPP litigation, potentially relevant to upstream project risk premia.
US-focused discussion; could marginally influence sentiment around US onshore/offshore permitting and litigation exposure.
Primarily US legal/political context; global read-through is limited without new company actions.
Alternative perspectives
Protest outcomes may be overstated; Shell’s cancellation is attributed to costs and regulatory uncertainty, not solely activism.
No update on current litigation status, damages collection, or new regulatory actions; the article does not quantify ongoing financial exposure for the named company.
Key entities
- companyEnergy Transfer
Named as the filer of a SLAPP lawsuit against Greenpeace tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protests; jury awarded damages later reduced.
- companyShell Oil
Named in the Seattle kayaktivist campaign that protesters credit with contributing to cancellation of Arctic drilling.
- organizationGreenpeace USA
Named as the defendant in the SLAPP lawsuit and as a participant in the activism described.
