Springfield, IL – State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) has introduced legislation that will establish a uniform method of assessing wind farms in Illinois.

“Wind farms are relatively new to Illinois, and there is no statewide standard for assessment purposes. We are seeing varying approaches to assessing around Illinois. We want to get clear direction early,” said Rutherford. “This legislation will create a uniform process of assessment, and in turn decrease the disparity that currently occurs.”

Rutherford explained that the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Department of Revenue will work together to determine the assessed value of a wind farm, and provide that to the local taxing entities who would then apply their rate to establish the property tax.

He said there is precedent for the Department of Revenue to be involved with setting assessment standards; currently the Department of Revenue has the responsibility of assessing pollution control facilities because of the special expertise required. He clarified that the legislation will simply set a statewide standard for assessment of wind farms and not set a tax rate.

“This legislation was a collaborative effort. We worked with the Department of Revenue, the Illinois Commerce Commission and the County Assessment Officers Association which helped craft a good piece of legislation,” said Rutherford.

Rutherford said that he hopes the legislation, Senate Bill 2418, will be heard by a Senate Committee in the coming weeks. If approved by the Senate committee members, the bill will then be considered by the entire Senate.