Last year's legislative session seemed to be primarily focused on education and teacher pay raises. Occasionally we would hear about the wind tax credits and the $70 million check Oklahoma writes to the wind industry. Others would state that wind farms are helping to cover the cost of education through ad valorem taxes paid by the wind industry. This year the battle will continue on whether to abolish wind tax credits or not.
Do we need to offer incentives to the wind industry? How does the wind industry benefit Oklahoma when the majority of the energy is used outside of Oklahoma? Why should we support the wind industry? Instead of incentives, should wind energy be taxed in the same way oil and gas are? Mark Yates, Oklahoma Director for the Wind Coalition, will answer these questions and more THIS Thursday.
A few facts opposing tax credits for wind industry
Bring your questions and concerns.
About Mark Yates:
Mark Yates serves as the Oklahoma Director for the Wind Coalition. Mark was previously with Oklahoma Farm Bureau where he served as Vice President of Field Operations. Mark worked closely with the membership of Farm Bureau to engage in the legislative process. He worked to educate members and the public about important legislative issues that
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Mark Yates |
impacted the agricultural industry. In his time with Farm Bureau he traveled the state and served as the liaison to the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and Tulsa Regional Chamber.
Prior to his time at Farm Bureau Mark was an educator in Oklahoma Public Schools for eleven years. He spent time as a teacher and coach at Plainview, Edmond North, and Mustang High Schools. Along with his teaching experience Mark also served as the Federal Programs Director for Plainview Public Schools in Ardmore, Ok. With his unique background Mark understands the vital role that the wind industry plays in rural Oklahoma but also the impact it has for schools in Oklahoma.
Mark is a graduate of East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma where he holds a Bachelors in History and Masters in Secondary Administration. Mark lives in Edmond, Ok with his wife Stacy and daughter Londyn. They are very active in the community and their church.
