Legislative proposal for more wind farms in Illinois to governor's desk
llinois is trying to build on its status as a good place to build a wind farm.
The Illinois House and Senate have passed a bill that would designate the developments as enterprise zones. That would give the developers incentives such as a sales tax waiver on building materials.
The bill’s House sponsor, State Representative Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville), says the state risks losing future wind energy developments without the incentives, pointing out Illinois will be buying renewable energy regardless, and it may as well buy it from Illinois wind farms.
According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois ranks ninth in the nation with 917 megawatts of capacity from wind farms. Another 1,890 megawatts’ worth are under construction, with about 7,600 more proposed or permitted.
S.B. 1923 has passed the House and Senate and awaits the governor’s action.
(Illinois Radio Network)
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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