AWEA Welcomes Passage of Ohio Tax Reform Legislation

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) issued the following statement from AWEA CEO Denise Bode on the passage of a bill by the Ohio Legislature that lowers the inordinately high taxes on wind power that were in place in the state.

“This tax reform will encourage wind power investment in Ohio, and it will create and protect thousands of manufacturing, construction, operations and maintenance jobs in the state,” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode.

“Ohio is now much better positioned to attract wind power investment that will benefit local communities and boost orders for wind turbines and turbine components.”

“The wind energy industry wants especially to recognize and applaud the bipartisan spirit that ensured the success of this legislation, and the leadership of Sen. Chris Widener (R-Springfield), of Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Tom Leston (D-Warren), and of Gov. Ted Strickland for working together to advance this reform,” added Bode.

“Wind works for Ohio because it is a source of clean energy and also a source of good jobs.”

Late Thursday night Sub Senate Bill 232 passed the House by a vote of 91-7 and the Senate concurred shortly after passage by a vote of 27-5 with a final reconciled bill headed to Gov. Ted Strickland’s desk before summer recess, according to the grassroots coalition Wind and Solar Jobs for Ohio.

AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the world’s largest wind power trade show. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America.

www.awea.org