KNOX COUNTY, Neb. -- In Knox County, a major legal dispute is brewing between North Fork Wind LLC, a wind energy company from Minnesota, and local landowners. The company and twelve local residents have sued the county and its officials, challenging recent changes to zoning laws that they claim block a big wind energy project.

North Fork Wind, part of National Grid Renewables, has been working on a $1.3 billion wind farm for years, investing over $12 million and securing rights to more than 45,000 acres. But in July 2024, the Knox County Board of Supervisors changed zoning rules to increase the distance required between wind turbines and nearby homes from 2,000 feet to 6,600 feet.

The plaintiffs argue that these new rules were put in place to stop the wind farm from being built. They believe this move violates their rights and goes against policies that support renewable energy.

North Fork Wind and the landowners are asking the court to block the new regulations permanently, as well as to award them damages and legal fees.

This case comes as Madison County is also debating changes to its wind energy rules, with both supporters and critics of wind energy closely watching the discussion.