This article from law firm Bricker & Eckler is authored by Dylan Borchers
Now that the Ohio Power Siting Board has allowed both phases of the Buckeye Wind project in Champaign County to proceed, developers of the project are preparing to submit an application to the Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA) to allow the wind farm to make a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), the Springfield News-Sun reports (See our Oct 13, 2013, blog post for more information).
Legislation in 2010 established PILOTs which allow “qualifying projects to be exempt from paying personal tangible property taxes.” The effect of this legislation was to tax personal property used in a renewable or advanced energy project much more favorably for developers. Proponents say the PILOT lets the state be competitive with neighboring states such as Indiana and Pennsylvania, but opponents say granting a PILOT will significantly reduce the amount of revenue the area will receive through taxes.
For more detailed discussion of PILOTs, download the Green Strategies Bulletin here: Bricker & Eckler Green Strategies Bulletin.
Bricker & Eckler
www.bricker.com
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