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Lawmaker to Propose Legislation Changing Tax Incentives For New Wind Farms

A wind farm in Ellis County in western Oklahoma.
Joe Wertz
/
StateImpact Oklahoma

Oklahoma Representative Earl Sears, is planning to file legislation modifying tax credits and incentives used by wind energy developers.

The legislation by Sears, R-Bartlesville, would only affect new wind projects and would target three tax credits used by the wind industry: Zero Emission Energy Generation, the five-year ad valorem exemption for manufacturers and other firms, and investment tax credits,  eCapitol’s Shawn Ashley reports:

“In my opinion,” said Sears, R-Bartlesville, “those tax credits are very lucrative and must be reviewed on behalf of the taxpayers.”

Sears, who will lead the high-profile House Appropriations Committee in 2015, says thetaxcredit examination is one of his top priorities for the legislative session. The wind industry says the tax credits are working, and say they often tip the balance in Oklahoma’s favor when developers are siting projects in states with comparable wind-power potential, including Kansas, Nebraska and Texas.

Jeffrey Clark with The Wind Coalition, a wind industry group, told eCapitol wind developers recognize that current incentives need to be reviewed:

“We are working with lawmakers, and a number will file legislation, and we are willing to work with anyone and everyone to relieve the anxiety associated with the current tax credits and helps keep Oklahoma competitive.”

Sears was the House sponsor of a 2014 measure, Senate Bill 1440, which would have imposed a moratorium on new wind energy projects in northeastern Oklahoma, where resistance to wind farms has been particularly fierce. That legislation was shelved.

Other legislation or rules regulating wind farm siting, landowner notification and turbine decomissioning could also be considered.


StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership among Oklahoma’s public radio stations and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online.

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KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.

Joe was a founding reporter for StateImpact Oklahoma (2011-2019) covering the intersection of economic policy, energy and environment, and the residents of the state. He previously served as Managing Editor of Urban Tulsa Weekly, as the Arts & Entertainment Editor at Oklahoma Gazette and worked as a Staff Writer for The Oklahoman. Joe was a weekly arts and entertainment correspondent for KGOU from 2007-2010. He grew up in Bartlesville, Okla. and studied journalism at the University of Central Oklahoma.
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