News Releases for March 2009
March 19, 2009
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Hoeven, Legislators Approve Important Wind Energy Legislation
NextEra Energy Resources Announces Wind Expansion Plans with Total State Investment Exceeding $1 Billion
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven, along with Sens. Curtis Olafson and Robert Erbele, and Reps. David Monson and Michael Brandenburg, signed into law today Senate Bills 2031, 2032 and 2033, legislation that extends existing tax credits for wind energy development in North Dakota. The bills are part of a comprehensive renewable energy plan that legislators in both houses are working to fund to drive continued growth and investment in the state's renewable energy industry.
Senate Bills 2031 and 2032 extend property tax reductions and sales and use tax exemptions for wind towers, and Senate Bill 2033 extends an existing income tax credit for the installation of geothermal, solar, wind or biomass energy devices in the state. The legislation was recommended by the Empower North Dakota Commission in an effort to further North Dakota's competitiveness in wind energy development.
"These incentives highlight our commitment to further enhance investment in our wind energy industry and create more opportunities for our citizens," said Hoeven. "This legislation, as well as other bills currently under consideration by the legislature, will help keep North Dakota on the forefront of this progressive industry."
In addition to the bill signing, Hoeven and legislators were joined by NextEra Energy Resources President and CEO Mitch Davidson, who spoke about the company's total investment in North Dakota, as well as its 2009 wind expansion plans for the state.
According to Davidson, NextEra will expand its wind fleet at both the Ashtabula Wind Energy Center, located in Griggs and Steele counties, and the Wilton Wind Energy Center in Burleigh County. Energy generation at Ashtabula will expand by 120 mega watts, and Wilton by 49.5 mega watts. The 2009 expansion brings NextEra's total investment in North Dakota to more than $1 billion.
"Our announcement today is significant both in dollars and overall investment," said Davidson. "These two projects represent a capital investment of about $300 million, resulting in an overall investment that will exceed $1 billion by the end of the year. Wind energy is truly making a difference in North Dakota and we're glad to be a part of it."
Davidson added that NextEra's cumulative economic impact on the state has included jobs for constructing and operating its facilities, as well as annual expenditures that have surpassed $11 million.
"The Langdon Wind Farm developed by NextEra has provided tremendous economic benefit for North Dakota," said Sen. Curtis Olafson. "The project has provided jobs, economic activity and significant tax revenues for the state and political subdivisions. In addition, NextEra has been a good neighbor and has worked closely with landowners and state and local government to ensure that development has been done properly."
"This is a great day for North Dakota," said Rep. Michael Brandenburg. "Very few imagined how quickly the wind energy industry would take off in North Dakota, and what we are seeing now, including the expansion plans for NextEra, is just the beginning for our state."
"NextEra's planned expansion highlights the strength and viability of North Dakota's energy industry," said Hoeven. "Their investment in our state is an important part of our wind energy efforts, helping to create jobs for our citizens and economic opportunities for our communities."
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