Keep your promises

My family has owned property in Osage County, Oklahoma, for five generations. Several years ago, we were approached by Enel Green Power about leasing some of our property for a wind farm to harness our Osage County wind for power. We were proud to be part of sustainable energy, while gaining some financial stability for our family. The ad valorem taxes paid by the wind farm have a direct financial impact on schools in the area, providing much needed educational resources. Now, after making assurances based on statutory law, the state of Oklahoma wants to default on their financial promises through Senate Bill 888. This bill will cause existing wind projects, like the one on our property, to shut down operations. The impact to schools and all landowners participating in the project would be devastating. And while I see this most clearly for how it will impact my family, I know it will impact schools and landowners across Oklahoma.

If the Legislature wants to rewrite the rules on future projects, I understand that. Companies and landowners will approach future projects knowing what those rules are. SB 888 and similar bills pull the rug out from underneath existing projects and send a clear message to the world that Oklahoma is not a business-friendly state. The commitments Oklahoma makes to future companies of any type will be viewed as meaningless.

Paul Kane, Cary, N.C.