Connecticut House Bill HB06304

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/13
• Refer: 1/30/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Property Tax Exemptions And Building Permit Fees For Class I Renewable Energy Projects.

Impact

Additionally, HB 6304 proposes that municipalities be limited in their ability to charge building permit fees for Class I renewable energy projects. The bill stipulates that such fees should only reflect administrative costs rather than being based on a percentage of construction costs. This change could lower the up-front expenditures for developers embarking on new energy projects, making it economically feasible for more entities to invest in renewable energies.

Summary

House Bill 6304 aims to promote the use of Class I renewable energy sources in Connecticut by providing significant tax and financial incentives. The bill seeks to amend existing legislation by exempting property taxes on renewable energy installations intended for commercial, industrial, or municipal use. This exemption is designed to alleviate the financial burdens on developers and operators of renewable energy projects, thus encouraging investment in sustainable energy infrastructure across the state.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill have highlighted potential points of contention, particularly the fiscal implications for local governments. Critics may argue that exempting property taxes could reduce revenue for municipalities that rely on property taxes to fund local services. Similarly, limiting permit fees could hinder some local governments' ability to manage their permitting processes effectively, raising concerns about whether the administrative costs would indeed cover the necessary services.

Notable_points

Proponents of HB 6304 assert that the long-term environmental and economic benefits will outweigh any initial revenue losses for local governments. They advocate that a more robust investment in renewable energy will ultimately support job creation, drive technological advancements, and contribute to a cleaner energy future.