Solano County Voters to Decide on New Taxes for Data Centers, Wind Turbines, and Battery Storage

A new tax measure heading to the November ballot in Solano County targets some of the biggest industrial facilities in unincorporated areas. If passed, data centers would pay $5 per square foot annually, battery-storage facilities would pay $1.50 per megawatt-hour monthly, and wind turbine taxes would more than double from $3 to $8 per 100,000 kilowatt-hours. The measure also includes a new 30-cent tax per 1,000 cubic feet for natural gas extraction.

Supervisor Mitch Mashburn says the goal is straightforward: make developers think twice before building while ensuring that if they do build, the community gets something back.“To find that spot where it’s significant enough that it hurts,”Mashburn said,“but it is also enough to help mitigate some of those impacts.”The tax only applies to unincorporated areas of the county, not cities like Fairfield or Vacaville.

The measure needs a simple majority to pass. Supporters say it’s a reasonable way to address the strain these facilities put on local roads, water, and emergency services. Critics argue it could push businesses to other counties, costing Solano County jobs and future property tax revenue. What do you think? Would you vote yes on this tax, or do you worry it could hurt the local economy? Let us know in the comments.