December 16, 2025
Tell Congress: Investigate Energy Transfer Now
A shocking new report from Greenpeace USA reveals that Energy Transfer — the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline and one of the nation’s biggest pipeline operators — has a long, alarming pattern of pollution, regulatory violations, and climate-wrecking operations. The investigation documents hundreds of spills, dangerous methane releases, and repeated failures to meet basic environmental standards. It’s clearer than ever that Energy Transfer’s business model depends on risking public health, harming frontline communities, and accelerating the climate crisis.
If the Trump Administration won’t act, Congress must investigate this out-of-control corporation. According to Greenpeace’s findings, Energy Transfer and its subsidiaries have reported nearly 300 hazardous liquid spills in recent years, dumping more than 1.3 million gallons of oil and chemicals into the environment. They also reported over 100 methane releases, unleashing thousands of tons of this extremely potent climate pollutant into our atmosphere. These spills and emissions are not rare accidents — they form a pattern of negligence and disregard for environmental safety.
Energy Transfer’s operations contribute significantly to climate change, while communities living near its pipelines face direct threats to their air, water, and well-being. Despite facing more than $100 million in fines and penalties over the last 30 years, the company continues to operate with little meaningful oversight. In 2024, Energy Transfer reported annual revenue of $80 billion, making the fines financially insignificant.
Even more troubling, Energy Transfer has tried to silence public criticism by filing aggressive lawsuits against environmental groups — a blatant attempt to intimidate advocates and undermine free speech.
As the climate crisis intensifies, Congress cannot allow Energy Transfer to continue polluting without consequences. The public deserves protection, transparency, and enforcement of the laws meant to safeguard our environment and our future.
We’re calling on Congress to:
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Launch a formal investigation into Energy Transfer’s pattern of pollution, violations, and climate impacts.
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Hold public hearings on the company’s environmental and safety record and investigate its public safety and protection protocols and operations.
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Strengthen federal oversight to prevent future spills, reduce methane emissions, and protect frontline communities.
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Ensure no corporation can harm the climate or endanger communities with impunity.
Energy Transfer’s reckless behavior is incompatible with a safe and sustainable future. Congress must investigate now and pressure the administration to aggressively enforce the law before more damage is done.
With 140,000 miles of pipelines crisscrossing the United States, Energy Transfer poses an enormous and ongoing threat that demands immediate congressional scrutiny. The sheer scale of its operations amplifies the impact of every spill, methane release, and regulatory violation. An investigation is essential to protect both communities and the climate.
Thank you for all that you do,
Mitch w/ Tipping Point
Sources
Greenpeace (Bad Neighbor: Energy Transfer’s Pattern of Pollution and Violations)
Photo: Reginald Mathalone / Greenpeace
