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Committee introduces proposal allowing county preference votes, excise tax on large commercial wind turbines
Summary
Representative Jeff Ehlers introduced RS 32471, a draft that would require voter approval in a county and impose an excise tax on commercial wind turbines over 100 feet, with proceeds flowing to a property tax relief mechanism. The committee voted to introduce the measure for a hearing.
BOISE — Lawmakers introduced a study/resolution draft (RS 32471) on Feb. 24 that would give voters in a host county a preference election on large commercial wind projects and, if voters reject a project, impose an excise tax on turbines that proponents said would flow into property tax relief.
Representative Jeff Ehlers, R‑Meridian, told the House Revenue and Taxation Committee the RS targets commercial wind turbines exceeding 100 feet in height. The draft would put a preference election to county voters where a project is proposed; if a project proceeds despite voter opposition, the draft imposes an excise tax on turbines and directs revenue to property tax relief mechanisms enacted in prior legislation.
Ehlers said an excise tax was chosen so the charge would still apply if a project were located on federal public lands. He described the proposed excise as "$25,000 per height foot of height," and provided the committee an example, saying that for a typical turbine the excise could amount to about $2,500,000 per turbine.
Some committee members urged caution. Representative Burch said she would support a hearing but voiced concern about "the notion of taxing the free market out of the ability to do things that are legal" and warned the draft could set a precedent for other industries.
Representative Birch moved to introduce RS 32471 for committee consideration. The motion carried by voice vote; the committee did not record a roll‑call tally. The RS was placed on the committee's list for a future hearing.
The RS text and any fiscal analysis were not included in the oral record; committee discussion focused on the concept and potential local and state effects.
