April 21, 2014
Oklahoma, Press releases

Industrial wind energy in Okla. to receive nearly $193 million in subsidies from state

April 21, 2014, Oklahoma Property Rights Association

CLAREMORE, Okla. ‐‐ The Oklahoma Property Rights Association (OPRA), a 50‐member coalition of concerned citizens across the state, announced today state reports unveiling industrial wind energy farms in Oklahoma will cost an estimated $192,740,946 annually in state subsidies when announced construction has been completed.

According to information provided by Wind Energy Coalition and the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the wind industry stands to receive the following estimated annual state subsidies:

“In addition to the 26 existing wind farms, 15 new wind farms are being planned or built in Oklahoma that will cost taxpayers millions more. Instead of investing in education and other critical services, our state is squandering much needed funding on industrial wind companies,” said Frank Robson, founder of OPRA.

The state of Oklahoma currently doesn’t have a mechanism to budget for or document the cost of these subsidies. According state statutes, the Oklahoma Tax Commission must refund 85 percent of tax credits directly to the wind companies at their request, enabling wind farms to report misleading numbers. These subsidies distort the energy market by keeping rates artificially low, and deplete the state general fund, taking money out of the budget for other critical services.

OPRA is advocating for the establishment of sensible laws to regulate industrial wind energy companies and oversee future development in Oklahoma.

“These Wind Farms which are owned by companies in Spain, Portugal and other foreign countries, can do what they want, when they want and where they want at the expense of Oklahoma tax payers and property owners,” added Robson. “Rather than focusing solely upon raising taxes on the local oil and gas industry, which has been the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy, the legislature needs to look at doing away with the government subsidies that prop up this industry,” he added.

OPRA is also concerned about the long‐term impact this unregulated industry will have on property owners. The association supports legislation that prevents wind farms from being built near neighborhoods and homes, and believes the state should create oversight to ensure they are operated safely, well maintained and there is adequate funding to remove abandoned wind farms.

“Just like the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) is committed to cleaning up orphaned well sites, industrial wind energy companies must provide adequate long‐term funding to repair or remove abandoned wind farms. These foreign corporations are heavily subsidized to operate in our state, but they are not required to share in the protection of our state.” Robson said.

Founded by local businessman and property owner Frank Robson, the Oklahoma Property Rights Association (OPRA) is a non‐profit organization dedicated to providing information about the local effects of industrial wind energy. It is comprised of more than 50 property owners across the state.

ADDENDUM

The Truth About The Cost of Industrial Wind Energy in Oklahoma
Receiving Nearly $193 Million in Subsidies

Zero Emissions Tax Credit

Investment Tax Credit

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/04/21/industrial-wind-energy-in-okla-to-receive-nearly-193-million-in-subsidies/