In February we covered a sweeping reform bill that Oklahoma legislators were trying to pass that would promote and sustain growth in the renewable energy field in that state. House Bill 1387, by Terrill and Nations, offers consumers tax credits for installing solar energy equipment and small wind turbines.

House Bill 1387 gives consumers a non-transferable tax credit equal to 40% of the total cost of installation for solar and wind energy systems including construction and equipment costs. The 40% credit can be carried forward for up to 10 years after installation.

“By supporting this bill, Oklahomans can support home-grown manufacturers of wind power equipment and expand local markets, creating new jobs and boosting the economy,” said Nations, D-Norman. “As the governor tries to make Oklahoma a leader in biofuels, both solar and wind power should also have stronger emphasis in the state. I am glad to work with Rep. Terrill in this bipartisan effort.”

Terrill said the initial cost of installation and equipment for renewable energy keeps many Oklahomans from taking that step. However, he said the cost savings on electric and gas bills, plus the tax credits available through the bill, would more than offset the upfront expenses.

“This legislation is a win-win situation for the consumer, for the environment and for the economy,” said Terrill.

The bill passed both the house and the senate with a wide margin, but has not been heard from yet. It seems that someone is trying to kill the bill in committee. Now it would seem that there is a murder mystery on our hands. Who killed this bill? Could a large energy company be behind this? Was coal/oil/gas money involved? We don’t know yet. But it seems like something worth looking into. Usually when bills pass both houses by a wide margin they are off to the signing desk pronto, and yet here we stand months later and nothing is happening.

If you live in Oklahoma and you want to see your state become a champion of home scale renewable energy, contact your representatives and tell them to move this bill, which has passed both house and senate, out of committee and onto the desk of the governor so that it can become law.