SD Legislature approves tax breaks for wind farms

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PIERRE (AP) — The South Dakota Legislature has passed a measure that would refund about half the construction taxes for large wind energy projects and an environmental upgrade at the Big Stone Power Plant.

The House voted 52-16 to accept the Senate's version of the bill. It will become law if signed by Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

The measure would provide tax refunds beginning in January 2013 for wind energy projects or environmental upgrades at power plants costing more than $50 million. Supporters say that would allow a couple of wind energy projects to proceed and also would help Big Stone Power Plant make environmental upgrades.

The bill would not interfere with a public vote in November on a more general economic incentive plan that the Democratic Party referred to the ballot.

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