Several Dickinson County residents have filed a civil lawsuit against the Board of County Commissioners opposing the Hope Ridge Wind Farm project. Plaintiffs include Steve Johnson, Sherry Johnson, and others, represented by attorney Patrick B. Hughes.

Filed on December 16th in the Eighth Judicial District Court, the lawsuit alleges the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the wind farm was unlawful and unreasonable, violating zoning regulations requiring specific submittal standards for commercial wind energy facilities.

The suit also claims the applicant, Enel Wind Power, lacks authorization from all landowners within the application area, including Danny and Marla Reiff, whose land is indicated in the development plan for a wind turbine despite having no agreement with the applicant. The suit also disputes the rejection of an October 31st protest petition, asserting the County improperly calculated eligible property percentages.

The plaintiffs seek to have the CUP approval reversed and the project halted.