Curtis Tate Published

Bill To Raise Taxes On Wind Turbines Advances In Senate

Wind turbines on a ridge tower over the deserted Corridor H highway in northern West Virginia against an overcast sky.
Wind turbines on a ridge tower over the deserted Corridor H highway in northern West Virginia.
Curtis Tate/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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A Senate committee approved a potential tax increase on wind turbines Tuesday.

If Senate Bill 231 becomes law, wind turbines would be taxed as real property, not as personal property.

According to an attached fiscal note, that would increase revenue by $6.1 million annually, funds that would flow to schools, county commissions and the state’s general fund.

However, industry advocates say the move would make wind power less competitive in West Virginia and drive investment to other states.

Wind and solar are currently the cheapest forms of electricity. Supporters of the change say it helps fossil fuels compete with renewables.

The Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee approved SB 231 with little debate. The bill now goes to the Finance Committee.

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