Sen. Wingard files bill to eliminate wind energy tax credit, save taxpayers money

As communities across the state fight massive new wind energy projects, including one near Lake Eufaula aiming to build up to 900 turbines, newly-elected State Sen. Jonathan Wingard (who stunned the political world by ousting would-be Senate Pro Tem Greg McCortney in the primary) is starting his political career - one might say - by tilting at windmills to save taxpayers money.

Wingard files bill to eliminate wind energy tax credit, save taxpayers money

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 31, 2024) — Sen. Jonathan Wingard, R-Ada, filed legislation this week to end state tax subsidies for wind farms.

Senate Bill 239 would eliminate the zero-emission subsidy for wind production after tax year 2025. Eliminating this tax credit will save taxpayers up to $16 million annually.

“Oklahoma taxpayers have already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies for wind farms across the state, and it's beyond time to end this costly practice,” Wingard said. “While new wind projects no longer qualify for these credits, existing operations continue to receive significant tax breaks even though Oklahoma families don’t benefit from these green-energy initiatives. It’s become abundantly clear that this money could be put to better use elsewhere.

The state significantly scaled back the zero-emission tax credit when former Gov. Mary Fallin signed legislation eliminating the tax breaks for wind facilities that became operational after July 1, 2017. Some wind farms, however, have been grandfathered in and continue to receive the 10-year tax credit that is based on the amount of wind energy they generate.

SB 239 will be eligible for consideration during the legislative session that begins Feb. 3, 2025.