North Dakota Secures $27.8 Million DAPL Protest Settlement

North Dakota has secured a $27.8 million settlement with the federal government over its handling of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, bringing the state's total recovery to $37.8 million.

(P&GJ) — North Dakota has reached a $27.8 million settlement with the federal government, resolving litigation tied to the handling of protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline between 2016 and 2017.

The settlement matches the amount awarded by a federal judge in 2025 and concludes a lawsuit filed by the state under the Federal Tort Claims Act. North Dakota alleged the federal government was negligent in its management of protest activity on federal lands during demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

According to the state, the protests resulted in significant public safety costs, property damage and other expenses. Following a five-week bench trial in 2024, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor ruled in favor of North Dakota in April 2025 and awarded the state $27.8 million in damages. The award was in addition to $10 million previously paid by the federal government, bringing the state's total recovery to $37.8 million.

The settlement announced in June reflects the full amount of the court's verdict and ends the case.

Paul Seby, lead counsel for North Dakota, said the agreement closes years of litigation related to the protests.

“This settlement provides compensation for costs the state incurred during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests and concludes nearly eight years of litigation,” Seby said.