Nebraska has no shortage of wind, ranking third in the nation for its potential, but 26th in the amount of energy that can be produced. That’s because Nebraska continues to charge a sales tax on all equipment and materials used in wind-energy projects.
A Kansas company is interested in building an 118-turbine wind farm in northeast Nebraska, which would help Nebraska export more energy and generate new revenue, including $10,000 to $15,000 per turbine each year for landowners on a 40-year lease. But the company is waiting to see if lawmakers respond.
Some observers are heralding a new boom in American manufacturing, spurred by “cheap” energy here compared to elsewhere.
If low-cost energy does provide an advantage, wind — as well as natural gas and the oil provided by the Keystone XL pipeline — can play a part.
Wind is an important resource for our state and it would be a mistake not to exploit it as soon as possible.
— McCook (Neb.) Daily Gazette
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