Judge Dismisses Enid from Skeleton Creek Solar Project Lawsuit
Garfield County Landowners Continue Legal Battle Against NextEra
A Garfield County District Judge has dismissed the City of Enid from a lawsuit filed by 31 landowners opposing the massive Skeleton Creek Solar and Battery Energy Project near Enid, Oklahoma. The decision comes amid ongoing tension between rural residents, renewable energy developers, and local governments over land use and environmental impact.
Judge Tom Newby granted the city’s motion for summary judgment, effectively removing Enid as a defendant in the case. However, the court ruled that other parties — NextEra Energy Resources, Skeleton Creek Solar Energy, and Garfield County — will remain defendants as the case moves forward.
Landowners Challenge NextEra’s Solar Expansion
The plaintiffs, a group of local landowners and farmers, filed suit in September 2024 (Case No. CV-2024-140), claiming that the 2,000-acre solar and battery project was approved without following proper environmental and zoning regulations. They also alleged that the project could harm surrounding farmland and ecosystems.
According to the city’s filings, the plaintiffs’ arguments primarily targeted actions taken by the Garfield County Commission, including approval of the Road Maintenance Agreement (RMA) with NextEra.
“After nearly a year litigating this action, Plaintiffs are still unable to muster any evidence that supports their claims against the City,” the city’s response stated.
“Because Plaintiffs’ Response is so focused on the County and the County’s actions regarding execution of the RMA, the Response barely addresses the City’s arguments.”
Judge Newby agreed and dismissed the city as a defendant, finding no evidence Enid violated state or local statutes in its dealings related to the project.
Community Concerns Over Solar Development
The Skeleton Creek Solar and Battery Project, developed by NextEra Energy Resources, covers more than 2,000 acres east of Vance Air Force Base and south of Woodring Airport. The Garfield County Conservation Commission has been one of the most vocal opponents, warning that the solar panels could destroy prime cropland and create safety risks for pilots and nearby residents.
In a statement posted to its website, Stop Skeleton Creek Solar, the group wrote:
“The location will likely prevent future growth of Woodring Airport and could jeopardize the future of Vance Air Force Base. Pilots may face the decision of ejecting over thousands of acres of glass and electricity.”
Opponents have also raised fire safety concerns. “The batteries are known to catch fire, and local volunteer fire departments are not equipped to fight this kind of fire,” the group claimed.
What’s Next in the Skeleton Creek Case
While Enid is now cleared from the case, the lawsuit against NextEra Energy, Skeleton Creek Solar, and Garfield County continues. The plaintiffs argue the project represents unchecked renewable development that disregards agricultural preservation, public safety, and local consent.
The Garfield County District Court will now proceed with hearings involving the remaining defendants as the future of the Skeleton Creek project — one of Oklahoma’s largest renewable energy sites — remains uncertain.
📌 MORE ENERGY NEWS