The Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-1 to deny Enel Green Power’s request for a conditional use permit (CUP) for a wind farm. Alongside this decision, the commission imposed a two-year moratorium on the project to allow for a comprehensive review of county regulations.

The vote followed a lengthy public hearing, with community members voicing both support and opposition to the wind farm. The wind farm plans to install approximately 75 turbines over 95 square miles in the county, with over 200 landowners already signing lease agreements.

The CUP request will next be reviewed by the County Commission, tentatively scheduled for November 7th. Opponents of the wind farm have 14 days to gather 100 protest petitions to enforce a super majority requirement for the project’s approval.

Enel representatives said the Hope Ridge Wind Farm is projected to generate significant economic benefits for the area and enhance grid resiliency for residents.