Wind development, tax policy and economic development tradeoffs

Wind energy poses an opportunity for rural communities. Many western states are currently challenged by structural economic changes and serious declines in employment and tax revenues. This opportunity has also led some state policymakers to consider wind taxation increases to create needed new revenue, which could deter such development. Such decisions must be made with a clear understanding of each state's real competitiveness, and with recognition of the potential tradeoffs such decisions could imply.