BNSF Ordered to Pay Nearly $400 Million for Trespassing on Swinomish Tribal Land in Washington

Jun 17, 2024, 07:33 PM

BNSF Railway Co. has been ordered to pay nearly $400 million to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for illegally running oil cars across their reservation in Washington state. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik ruled on Monday that the company intentionally trespassed by repeatedly running 100-car trains carrying crude oil through the tribal territory. The federal court's decision underscores the significant financial and legal consequences for BNSF's actions.