Judge says Dakota Access developer can't sue BankTrack

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) " A federal judge has ruled the developer of the Dakota Access oil pipeline has no claim under federal racketeering law for damages against a Dutch environmental group that urged banks not to finance the $3.8 billion project.

Judge Billy Roy Wilson dismissed Netherlands-based BankTrack from a lawsuit Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners filed in August against that group, Greenpeace and Earth First. It seeks damages up to $1 billion.

Wilson says BankTrack's conduct amounted to "writing a few letters" and didn't lead to violent criminal conduct.

ETP didn't immediately comment. BankTrack says the judge's ruling confirms the work's legitimacy.

Wilson also cast doubt in separate rulings on whether the lawsuit will succeed against the other two groups, calling it vague and ordering ETP to file a more detailed complaint.