Texas Outages Fuel Western Lawmakers’ Push for Taxes on Wind

Montana and Wyoming legislators who are considering higher taxes on the wind industry say frozen turbines in Texas are proof that coal and natural gas are more reliable energy sources.

Lawmakers are proposing the tax increases in part to offset declines in minerals revenues brought about by low prices and diminished production of coal, fracked oil, and natural gas. They also want the increases—sought prior to the Texas storms—because some of them view the turbines as unsightly.

“Hey Texas, Wyoming could help your rolling blackouts if we weren’t busy closing down coal mines and laying off workers,” Wyoming state Rep. ...