Except for a wind easement created under section 17-04-03 and as otherwise provided in this section, an interest in a resource located on a tract of land and associated with the production of energy for wind power on the tract of land may not be severed from the surface estate. However, nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit or limit the right of a seller of real estate to retain any payments associated with an existing wind energy project.
N.D.C.C. § 17-04-04