ind energy group urges Ohio to change tax setup

clipped from www.worldofrenewables.com The American Wind Energy Association says Ohio's existing tax method could be a hurdle to boosting the amount of electricity in Ohio that comes from renewable sources. About a year ago, state lawmakers passed a landmark energy bill that requires 12.5 percent of electricity sold in the state to come from renewable sources by 2025. The requirement is being phased in, starting at 0.25 percent this year and escalating each following year. In a letter sent to Gov. Ted Strickland, the association has asked the state to consider charging a production tax on electricity generated by wind turbines, instead of requiring a tangible personal property tax on an electric utility's equipment. At issue is hundreds of millions of dollars. Last year, gas and electric utilities paid more than $620 million in tangible personal property taxes, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.