Photo Courtesy of Canva

The proposed Hope Ridge Wind Farm in northeast Dickinson County remains on hold after plaintiffs filed an appeal in their lawsuit challenging the project’s approval. The appeal follows a lower court ruling that upheld the county’s decision to grant Enel Green Power a Conditional Use Permit for the wind farm, which would involve about 150 landowners and span more than 50,000 acres.

Opponents argue the county’s approval was unreasonable and failed to meet zoning requirements, claims rejected by Judge Lee Fowler of the Fifth District Court, who ruled the process was transparent, lawful, and supported by substantial public input.

While the appeal raises no new arguments, it effectively freezes the project. Planning and Zoning Director Tim Hamilton said there is no clear timeline for when the higher court will hear the case. Until legal action is resolved, construction, permitting, and county negotiations related to the wind farm remain at a standstill.