Wind Energy Policies and Incentives

Federal, state, and local regulations govern many aspects of wind energy development. The nature of the project and its location will largely drive the levels of regulation required. Check the DSIRE database of federal and state renewable energy policies and incentives.

In August 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which extends the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for wind projects through 2024. Additionally, the IRA adds increased credit amounts and bonus tax incentives to the PTC and ITC for projects that meet specified requirements. In 2025, the standing PTC and ITC will be converted to technology-neutral versions, which will begin phasing out in 2032, or when total power sector greenhouse gas emissions decline to at least 75% below 2022 levels, whichever comes last. Learn more about the PTC and ITC.

To learn about primary federal incentives for developing and investing in wind power, resources for funding wind power, and opportunities to partner with the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies on efforts to move the U.S. wind industry forward, see Advancing the Growth of the U.S. Wind Industry: Federal Incentives, Funding, and Partnership Opportunities.

Ordinances Database

Wind energy ordinances adopted by counties, towns, and other types of municipalities are one of the best ways for local governments to identify conditions and priorities for all types of wind development. These ordinances regulate aspects of wind projects such as their location, permitting process, and construction. The standards specified in ordinances provide clarity to wind developers and the public. Ordinances may also address issues of community impact such as: land use, noise standards, and safety.

The WINDExchange ordinances database is a collection of U.S. wind energy ordinances at the state and local levels; it is not exhaustive. If you would like to submit a wind energy ordinance that is not represented in the database, please email Laura Carter.

23 results | Download
State
Title
Type of Wind
Date Enacted/Updated
Iowa Story County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 86 - Section 86.04 (3D) Small June 2013

Story County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 86 - Section 86.04 (3D)

Date: June 27, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Iowa Boone County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VIII - Section 8.03 Small May 2009

Boone County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VIII - Section 8.03

Date: May 5, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

Iowa Kossuth County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance Large August 2018

Kossuth County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 14, 2018

Verified by WINDExchange on May 18, 2019

Wisconsin Iowa County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance Both June 2014

Iowa County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: June 24, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

Iowa Palo Alto County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance Both September 2016

Palo Alto County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Sept. 13, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Iowa Tama County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance Both January 2010

Tama County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Jan. 14, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Iowa Greene County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section XVII (4) Both January 2011

Greene County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section XVII (4)

Date: Jan. 13, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Iowa Guthrie Center, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance Both December 1999

Guthrie Center, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Dec. 2, 1999

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Iowa Dickinson County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 21 -Section 5 (D) Small May 2014

Dickinson County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 21 -Section 5 (D)

Date: May 20, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Iowa Mason City, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 12.17 Small January 2010

Mason City, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 12.17

Date: Jan. 19, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

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