Greenwich Wind Farm costing taxpayers more than its worth
Sandusky Register | Sep 15, 2014 | www.sanduskyregister.com
Sandusky Register | Sep 15, 2014 | www.sanduskyregister.com
How long is the wind industry going to be carried on the backs of the American taxpayers?
The taxpayer pays federal taxes. The production tax credit is a tax write-off for big investors in the wind industry. One notable investor admits he uses the PTC to lower his taxes: “We get a tax credit if we build a lot of wind farms. That’s the only reason to build them”
Do you think the production tax credit ended Dec. 31, 2013? Wrong. Our politicians loopholed an extension in before the policy ended to protect projects in the works. Still going on until Dec. 31, 2015.
The taxpayer pays state taxes. State taxes help to feed state incentives and tax credits and grants which help to encourage wind farms to build in the state.
The taxpayer pays real estate and school taxes. Commercial wind industry approaches counties requesting tax abatements, so they don’t have to pay taxes.
The taxpayer pays an electric bill. As the wind farm is built, it is connected into the local power grid. To produce electricity, it takes additional electricity to run, monitor and control a wind turbine. During the summer months (when electricity is most in demand) the wind turbine does not generate electricity – no wind. Yet it feeds off the same grid where the taxpayer is trying to control costs by not over-consuming.
How long before the American taxpayer gives wind farms and their supporting politicians the boot? As long as we give the handouts, there is no reason for the wind industry to become a responsible, viable, economical business.
The only “green” in wind farm is the green in the pocket of wind farm investors.
No more handouts. No more free rides. No more production tax credit, subsidies, grants, tax abatements.
Have you talked to your federal, state and county elected representatives recently? They need your input. The Huron County commissioners need to hear your voice today. Support greenwichneighborsunited.com.
— Jane Hicks
Greenwich
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/09/16/greenwich-wind-farm-costing-taxpayers-more-than-its-worth/