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.

567 results | Download
State
Title
Type of Wind
Date Enacted/Updated
South Dakota Deuel County, South Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article XII - Section 1215 Both July 2004

Deuel County, South Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article XII - Section 1215

Date: July 6, 2004

Verified by WINDExchange on Feb. 16, 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

North Dakota Divide County, North Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 7.14 Large April 2017

Divide County, North Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 7.14

Date: April 4, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

Maine Dixmont, Maine - Wind Energy Ordinance Large November 2009

Dixmont, Maine - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Nov. 6, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

Wisconsin Door County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance Large January 2008

Door County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Jan. 29, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Maryland Dorchester County, Maryland - Wind Energy Ordinance Small August 2009

Dorchester County, Maryland - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 17, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Colorado Douglas County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 2107.41 Small April 2015

Douglas County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 2107.41

Date: April 28, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Massachusetts Duxbury, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 616 Small August 2010

Duxbury, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 616

Date: Aug. 2, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Vermont Duxbury, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section 14 Both January 2011

Duxbury, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section 14

Date: Jan. 31, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

New York East Bloomfield, New York - Wind Energy Ordinance Small August 2008

East Bloomfield, New York - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 25, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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