Bill Would Eliminate Renewable Energy Credit in Oklahoma

Proponents of renewable energy are disappointed in a bill introduced recently by a Cleveland County state representative.

Rep. Bobby Cleveland, R-Slaughterville, introduced House Bill 2908 this week to halt tax incentives for renewable resources, specifically wind power.

Cleveland’s bill would repeal Senate Bill 440, which was signed into law in 2001. At the time, SB 440 allowed zero-emission energy facilities to collect tax credits beginning in 2003. Legislation signed into law last spring created an early sunset to that tax credit, requiring wind farms to be operational by July 2017 to qualify for the state’s Zero Emission Tax Credit.

New Oklahoma Law Charges Residents Who Install Solar Panels, Wind Turbines

Oklahoma residents who choose alternative energy by installing solar panels or wind turbines for their homes will be charged an additional fee, which has not yet been determined.

The bill, SB 1456, sailed through the House after no debate, despite being widely opposed by renewable energy advocates, environmental groups and the conservative Oklahoma utilities group TUSK. Gov. Mary Fallin (R) signed the bill into law last week after the state House passed the measure 83-5.

The law doesn’t affect those who already have alternative energy sources installed, but any new alternative energy customers will have to pay a fee that has yet to be determined.