Court Weighs Challenge to Horse Heaven Hills Windfarm
Washington's Supreme Court has yet to rule on a lawsuit contesting state approval of the proposed wind project near Finley.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Utilities
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Should large windfarms be built despite local opposition over land and wildlife?
The Washington State Supreme Court has not yet ruled on a lawsuit challenging the state's approval of the Horse Heaven Hills windfarm. Opponents, including TC Cares, Benton County, and the Yakama Nation, say a decision could take months.
Why it matters
The project, proposed by Colorado-based Scout Energy, could include as many as 116 turbines, and the court's ruling will determine whether construction proceeds as planned. Opposition centers on habitat loss and firefighting concerns.
The latest proposal from Scout Energy could place as many as 116 turbines across a stretch of 25 miles or more near Finley. Opposition has run since 2021, and the court has not indicated when it will rule.
The players
Scout Energy
A Colorado-based renewable energy developer proposing the Horse Heaven Hills windfarm.
TC Cares
A local opposition group that has led the effort against the windfarm alongside Benton County and the Yakama Nation.
Yakama Nation
A sovereign tribal nation whose members and government have opposed the project since 2021.
The details
Local residents, Benton County, and the Yakama Tribal Nation have opposed the project, submitting hundreds of pages of testimony. Opponents cite destruction of native plant, bird, and animal habitat, along with firefighting and other long-term concerns.
Timeline
2021: Opposition to the Horse Heaven Hills windfarm project begins.
October 30: TC Cares sends its latest update stating the lawsuit awaits a court decision.
Market Landscape
The Horse Heaven Hills dispute reflects the broader contest over siting large-scale wind farms on Washington's agricultural and tribal lands under state environmental review. How the Supreme Court handles the state's approval may shape how future utility-scale renewable projects are evaluated in the state.
Residents near Finley and along the proposed route may see changes to land use, visual impact, and local fire risk depending on the court's ruling. Ratepayers and landowners in the region face uncertainty about whether the project proceeds.
The takeaway
A court ruling on this lawsuit will determine whether one of the state's largest proposed wind projects can move forward, so affected residents should watch for the decision.
Further reading
Explore more on Utilities coverage across Washington.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NEWStalk 870.
Live Poll
Should large windfarms be built despite local opposition over land and wildlife?
