Dallas, December 11, 2025
Greenpeace has levied serious accusations against Dallas-based Energy Transfer, citing a consistent history of environmental violations involving pipeline spills and air pollution. Recent incidents in Texas and Pennsylvania have raised alarms among local communities and environmental advocates. The report highlights alarming statistics, including 300 incidents involving liquid pipelines and significant emissions contributing to health risks. As Energy Transfer continues its operations amid legal disputes with Greenpeace, the call for responsible practices in the energy sector intensifies, particularly in light of ongoing environmental concerns.
Dallas, Texas – Greenpeace Accuses Energy Transfer of Environmental Violations
Dallas-based Energy Transfer has been accused by Greenpeace of a prolonged pattern of environmental violations, including pipeline spills, explosions, and air pollution.
Recent Environmental Incidents
Energy Transfer, a major player in the energy sector, has faced several significant incidents over the past 14 months that have raised alarm among community members and environmental advocates alike. The accusations from Greenpeace form part of a broader concern about the environmental practices of large energy companies. For instance:
- September 2024 – Texas: A natural gas liquids pipeline exploded near Houston, causing a three-day fire, damaging five homes, and leading to evacuations.
- February 2025 – Pennsylvania: A petroleum products pipeline leaked for at least 16 months, contaminating local drinking water wells.
- May 2025 – Texas: A crude oil pipeline spill affected a water treatment plant and a bird-watching site, with cleanup costs estimated at over $5 million.
- January & May 2025 – Offshore: Failures in an undersea natural gas pipeline resulted in significant methane releases, marking one of the largest since 2010.
Environmental and Health Impacts
The implications of these incidents extend beyond immediate safety concerns. Greenpeace’s report also outlines considerable environmental and health risks linked to Energy Transfer’s operations:
- Frequent Incidents: Between 2018 and June 2025, Energy Transfer’s liquid pipelines reported 300 incidents, averaging one every nine days, releasing enough oil to fill five Olympic swimming pools.
- Air Pollution: In 2023, Energy Transfer facilities emitted nearly 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, air pollution from 90 of their Texas facilities is estimated to cause 16-22 premature deaths annually, with health-related costs ranging from $16 million to $22 million.
- Legal Actions: Over the past three decades, Energy Transfer has faced more than $100 million in fines for various environmental violations, including air and water pollution and worker safety issues, some resulting in criminal charges.
Legal Disputes with Greenpeace
In a notable legal counterpoint, a North Dakota jury recently found Greenpeace liable for over $660 million in damages to Energy Transfer, stemming from claims of defamation related to protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Greenpeace intends to appeal the verdict, voicing concerns that such lawsuits may undermine rights associated with free speech and peaceful protest.
Background on Energy Transfer
Energy Transfer, headquartered in Dallas, operates a significant network of pipelines that transport a hefty volume of the nation’s natural gas and crude oil. Despite ongoing scrutiny over environmental violations and legal disputes, the company remains a key player in the energy industry, emphasizing the complexities involved in balancing energy needs and environmental responsibility in a rapidly evolving market.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Energy Transfer serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing dialogue between environmental stewardship and energy development. As Dallas continues to grapple with the challenges of economic growth and ecological sustainability, it is critical for local businesses and industries to engage constructively to foster innovation and responsible practices that benefit the community. Staying informed and actively participating in this dialogue is essential for all citizens to help shape the future of Dallas’s economic landscape.
FAQ
- What environmental violations has Energy Transfer been accused of?
- Greenpeace has accused Energy Transfer of a prolonged pattern of environmental violations, including pipeline spills, explosions, and air pollution.
- What recent incidents have occurred involving Energy Transfer’s pipelines?
- In the past 14 months, Energy Transfer’s pipelines have been involved in several significant incidents, including explosions, leaks, and spills in Texas, Pennsylvania, and offshore locations.
- What are the health and environmental impacts of these incidents?
- These incidents have led to environmental damage, health risks, and significant cleanup costs. For example, air pollution from 90 of Energy Transfer’s Texas facilities is estimated to cause 16-22 premature deaths annually, with health-related costs ranging from $16 million to $22 million.
- What legal actions have been taken against Energy Transfer?
- Energy Transfer has faced over $100 million in fines over the past three decades for various environmental violations, including air and water pollution and worker safety issues. Some penalties have included criminal charges.
- What is the status of the legal dispute between Greenpeace and Energy Transfer?
- In March 2025, a North Dakota jury found Greenpeace liable for over $660 million in damages to Energy Transfer, citing defamation and other claims related to protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Greenpeace plans to appeal the decision, expressing concerns that such lawsuits could undermine free speech and peaceful protest rights.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Environmental Violations | Accusations include pipeline spills, explosions, and air pollution. |
| Recent Incidents | Significant events in Texas, Pennsylvania, and offshore locations over the past 14 months. |
| Health and Environmental Impacts | Estimated 16-22 premature deaths annually in Texas due to air pollution from Energy Transfer facilities. |
| Legal Actions | Over $100 million in fines over the past three decades; some penalties included criminal charges. |
| Legal Dispute with Greenpeace | North Dakota jury awarded over $660 million in damages to Energy Transfer; Greenpeace plans to appeal. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Why Dallas Construction Companies Need ERP Systems with Open APIs: The Complete Guide
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
