Connecticut House Bill HB05474

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/13
• Refer: 1/22/13

Caption

An Act Exempting From Property Tax Class I Renewable Energy Sources For Municipal Use.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05474 would amend section 12-81 of the general statutes, expanding the current property tax exemption criteria which previously only allowed exemptions for renewable energy installations used for residential or agricultural purposes. This change would potentially encourage more investments in renewable energy technologies among local governments and could alter the economic landscape of municipal energy consumption by reducing operating costs associated with energy procurement. Furthermore, by fostering the establishment of renewable energy sources, municipalities may benefit from reduced dependence on traditional energy sources, aligning with broader state goals for sustainability.

Summary

House Bill 05474 aims to encourage the utilization of renewable energy sources in municipalities by providing a property tax exemption for Class I renewable energy sources that are owned by nonmunicipal parties and installed for electricity generation on municipal buildings. This legislative initiative reflects a growing trend toward promoting sustainable energy practices at the local government level. The measure is designed to facilitate municipalities in accessing renewable energy resources more affordably, which could lead to long-term cost savings for local governments and environmental benefits for the communities they serve.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it will effectively promote renewable energy installations and the associated benefits, concerns may arise among certain stakeholders. Possible contention could stem from the financial implications for nonmunicipal entities investing in renewable energy infrastructure, as they may perceive changes to the tax structure as a disadvantage. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the criteria for Class I renewable energy sources and their classifications, raising questions about broader implications for energy policy and fiscal responsibilities at the state and local levels.