SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A local state senator said she wants to lower property taxes by having wind and solar energy companies pay their fair share. Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) told WAND News that tax formulas for energy projects are not keeping up with the industry's growth.
Turner wants to increase the real property cost basis used to assess wind and solar systems, which determines how the properties are taxed.
The base value for wind projects is currently set at $360,000 per megawatt of capacity and solar systems pay $218,000. Her bill would raise the tax to $588,000 for wind and $446,000 for solar.
"Remember, all along they're getting subsidies from the state and federal government," Turner said. "So we're giving them that, plus we're giving them a discounted rate, if you will, on paying taxes because their value keeps going down."
Turner said Illinois families should not be carrying the tax load for renewable energy companies using some of the best farmland in the country. She believes it is only fair that clean energy projects pay taxes that better reflect their true worth.
"Spread the EAV out more equally and have them pay more in tax money so that the rate can stay down for average taxpayers," Turner said.
However, the Clean Grid Alliance said this would devastate the industry as it would nearly double property taxes.
"It could bankrupt existing projects that were built based on fully agreed rates that were carefully negotiated between the industry and property tax assessors throughout the state," said Jeff Danielson, Vice President of Advocacy for the Clean Grid Alliance.
Turner noted she has nothing against solar or wind projects in Illinois. She said all lawmakers think renewables should be part of the state's plan, but the General Assembly should consider how they are taxed.
Senate Bill 2706 was filed on Oct. 14. The plan has not been assigned to a committee, but Sen. Terri Bryan (R-Murphysboro) signed on as a chief co-sponsor Wednesday.
Top Stories:
Trial Blog | Day 3 of Sean Grayson Murder Trial
Man sentenced to 6 years for fatal January stabbing
Springfield Fire Chief is excited for city's 'monumental' new BEACON program
1 person sent to hospital after train, semi collide in Decatur
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
