The actions of Wyoming's legislature are both transparent and discouraging. Wyoming is the largest coal producer in the United States; and less than 2 weeks prior to these discussions on wind, Wyoming's legislature took initial votes to extend bills with tax breaks for coal. The Wyoming legislature is blatantly favoring its coal industry with lavish tax breaks. This is how it begins. Coal and oil already receive excessive subsidies nationally.

So when John Schiffer says wind needs to pay its way "just like coal and oil," he's not coming clean. Coal's not paying its way (neither is oil). And Mr. Schiffer knows it. While I do think Mr. Schiffer honestly wants the tax revenue for the community, I don't think he appreciates the gravity of the global environmental situation. He'd probably rather just get the tax from both coal and wind. His spin in this quote, however, was quite misleading.

(see "Green Car Congress" study)
also -
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_43de1...