SD Senate Panel Endorses Incentives For Wind Power

A South Dakota Senate committee has endorsed a measure that would provide financial incentives to encourage the construction of wind power projects in the state.

The Commerce and Energy Committee voted 6-1 to pass the measure after industry representatives said construction of wind farms has drawn to a standstill in South Dakota.

Supporters of the bill say South Dakota taxes on wind farm construction are far higher than those charged in neighboring states.

The bill would provide incentive payments equal to roughly 2 percent of a wind farm's final cost. In return, new wind projects would no longer get rebates of a gross receipts tax that is applied after projects begin operating.

Supporters say the bill is a good first step, but they believe larger incentives are needed.