Solar energy is still in it's infancy as an alternative energy fuel but let the consumers find a way to save a few bucks? No way says Oklahoma state legislature. A bill to allow a TAX surcharge for anyone using the sun in addition to their current utility, passed the Senate last month and now heads to Gov. Mary Fallin for her approval. This "tax" however, isn't going to the state or federal coffers. Noooo. It's going to the existing utility company to "offset existing infrastructure costs"
Wait. What? Sounds like I'll be propping up their stock price instead.
Seriously? Tax the Sun?! Heaven forbid the big oil barons (Koch brothers) don't find a way to deter it's usage. Just because Oklahomans were too asleep at the wheel busy to look the other way while their legislators sold them out, don't think for one moment that other states won't follow.
Whatever happened to supply and demand? Whatever happened to free markets? Because a company does not adapt to new technology, should the American taxpayer have to support it via a "surcharge"???
- You didn't see Kodak pushing for a tax surcharge because camera phones are replacing handheld cameras.
- You didn't see your local Library or book store (Barnes & Noble for that matter) being allowed to charge a fee because people are reading book online.
- What about a surcharge for the Postman since you get your mail online now?
THEY WERE FORCED TO ADAPT TO THE NEW TECHNOLOGY OR FAIL. It's ridiculous and it's CLEARLY being backed by "someone" who has an interest in seeing solar fail. This is a legislature which clearly has someone's interests in mind.......and it's not their constituents. What's next? Tax us to breath their air?
Here's a concept. Utility companies already hedge their cost with weather and electricity futures. How about they buy shares of First Solar ($FSLR) and throw it in a drawer. Buy a portion of your competition. That or partner up with the local solar guy and split the profits. There are numerous ways........if Koch says it's o.k.
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