Report: Oklahoma Depends on Wind

In April of this year, PACE became involved in discussions over Oklahoma’s support of the wind industry. Faced with a large budget deficit, lawmakers in that state were considering eliminating state support for the commercial wind industry, which ranks fourth nationally in terms of production. Oklahoma today gets about a sixth of its electricity generation from wind power.

While we don’t support the idea of energy subsidies in general, Oklahoma presents a special case. We wrote in April that the wind industry in Oklahoma reflects our philosophy of building energy resources where they work the best. In addition, the wind industry in Oklahoma returns far more benefits to consumers and local governments than it costs taxpayers. State support of Oklahoma’s wind industry is a win-win for the industry and the state’s citizens alike, and helps the region at large cope with federal rules that limit emissions.

Now, a new report from PACE proves that thinking, outlining the various benefits of the wind industry to Oklahoma. The report, titled Oklahoma Depends on Wind, explains that wind power in Oklahoma is set to save electricity rate payers nearly $2 billion, help stabilize power prices in the long term, and has created more than 7,000 jobs in the state.

Read the Report Here

Just as important, wind projects in Oklahoma will generate a billion dollars in ad valorem tax revenue and will create another $1.2 billion for Oklahoma’s school districts. This important revenue stream helps support local Oklahoma communities, returning far more benefits than it costs state taxpayers. The report includes an appendix that lists estimated tax revenue from wind for every Oklahoma county that is home to wind projects.

“In the larger picture, Oklahoma’s support of its wind industry is a good investment for government and a win for customers,” explains PACE Executive Director Lance Brown. “We are recommending to state lawmakers that they allow the state’s support to run its course without prematurely pulling the plug on this net benefit for Oklahoma.”