Idaho
Idaho legislator introduces “gangster” excise tax for building new wind turbines
BOISE, Idaho — On Monday, Idaho State Representative, Jeff Ehlers (R-Meridian) introduced House Bill 317to the Revenue and Taxation Committee, which would tax the future development of commercial wind turbines in the State of Idaho.
The bill would be “a local tax on windmills,” said Ehlers. He explained, “if the voters do not approve of such a project, an excise tax would be imposed on those wind turbines.” If approved, the bill would require wind turbine developers to pay $25,000 for each vertical foot of build.
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Ehlers said that for the average wind turbine, the total build-out would require $2.5 million to be paid in excise tax. The money raised from this specific tax would go to the state tax commission to pay state refunds, then retained by the tax commission, and any excess would be paid into school district facilities, in that order.
In response to the bill’s introduction, Representative Edward H. “Ted” Hill (R-District 14) asked Ehlers, “How big is that excise tax? Are we going to go gangster on it and really make it hardcore? That’s what we want to hear.”
The question drew laughs from the committee. Ehlers replied, “Not sure if I’ve ever been accused of going gangster.”
“For the benefit of the committee, that qualifies as gangster in the eyes of the Chairman,” commented Revenue and Tax Committee Chairman, David M. Cannon.
The bill comes on the heels of an executive order issued by President Trump that effectively halted the development of the Lava Ridge Wind Project, which would have seen around 400 wind turbines built on Bureau of Land Management property in Lincoln County. The Idaho Conservation League estimated that the project would provide power to approximately 325,000 homes in the Magic Valley.
The Idaho Legislature has since issued a joint memorial voicing continued opposition to the project.
Rep Steve Berch (D – Boise) expressed some skepticism regarding the bill. “I’m going to support the motion to have a hearing on this, but I must say that I’m a little bit concerned about the notion of taxing the free market out of doing things that are legal and I’m concerned about the precedent this might set in others as well,” said Berch.
The bill will now receive an official hearing in committee.
Skijor Boise will be one of the stops on a new professional skijoring tour. The action-packed event will happen at the Ford Idaho Center on Feb. 6th and 7th.
The Nampa event will be one of seven stops for the new Frontier Tour in the Rocky Mountain region, with another being in eastern Idaho in Driggs. Local competitors McKinley Keener and Caroline Potter look forward to competing.
WATCH: See skijoring in action and more from McKinley and Caroline
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“We are really excited to have a hometown race,” said Keener. “I think it was smart to bring a race to the Treasure Valley with the horse culture and the ski culture. I think it is a win-win idea.”
Skijoring is a unique sport that is gaining traction in the West. During the event, a horseback rider pulls a skier on a rope, and that skier has to navigate gates, jumps and grab rings. The horseback rider also has to grab a ring, depending on the venue.
RELATED | Extreme skijoring brings two different cultures together in the Wood River Valley
We first met McKinley and Caroline last winter during the Wood River Valley skijoring competition. They won the couple’s division and finished second and third in the novice division.
“We won this buckle and the vest I’m wearing at the Wood River race,” said Potter. “It’s a fantastic race, the people who put it on are wonderful. That race will always be special to McKinley and I because we met there.”
The couple met two years ago at the competition, and this past summer, they got engaged.
“I’ve been riding since I was in grade school, and he’s been skiing since he was really young,” said Potter. “We both let each other do our thing, and as a team we really do well.”
Their story showcases how unique skijoring is, bringing together both the equine and skiing communities.
“Skijoring is the craziest and funnest sport in my opinion,” said Keener. “I just love it, it is a rush. The people are fantastic, and it is like nothing else I have ever done,” said Potter.
This duo looks forward to competing in their own backyard, as it will allow friends and family to watch them in action. Skijor Boise will happen at the beginning of February, and the Wood River event will follow it in mid-February.
“We hope everyone can come out and watch,” said Potter. “It is a wonderful time, there is never a dull moment at a skijor race. I highly recommend it to come out and maybe even try it.”
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