House Revenue tax for wind energy

A legislative committee recommends approval of a tax on wind energy generation in Wyoming despite warnings from industry that it could slow development and increase power costs.

The House Revenue Committee voted Monday to reduce the proposed tax by two-thirds, from $3 to $1 per megawatt hour.

The committee amended the bill to delay imposition of the tax until 2012. The committee also specified that the state won't collect taxes on power generated by turbines during their first three years of operation.

County government representatives urged the committee to approve the tax, saying they face higher road maintenance costs because of wind projects.
The committee voted 6-3 to recommend approval of the bill, House Bill 101.