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.

37 results | Download
State
Title
Type of Wind
Date Enacted/Updated
Illinois Kane County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section 5.4-6 and 5.4-7 Small May 2010

Kane County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section 5.4-6 and 5.4-7

Date: May 11, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Illinois Kankakee County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance Large April 2016

Kankakee County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 12, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on July 9, 2017

Illinois Kankakee County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance Small November 2009

Kankakee County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Nov. 10, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Illinois Kendall County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4.17 Small February 2010

Kendall County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4.17

Date: Feb. 16, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 22, 2021

Illinois Lake County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Appendix Q Large October 2012

Lake County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Appendix Q

Date: Oct. 9, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 21, 2021

Illinois Lake in the Hills, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance Small March 2010

Lake in the Hills, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: March 2, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 21, 2021

Illinois LaSalle County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7 - Section 7.1-4RR Large October 2016

LaSalle County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7 - Section 7.1-4RR

Date: Oct. 13, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Illinois LaSalle County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7 - Section 7.1-4SS Small October 2016

LaSalle County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7 - Section 7.1-4SS

Date: Oct. 13, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Illinois Lee County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 10 - Chapter 15 - Section 10-15-15 Large January 2006

Lee County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 10 - Chapter 15 - Section 10-15-15

Date: Jan. 17, 2006

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 22, 2021

Illinois Libertyville, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 12-13 Small April 2013

Libertyville, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 12-13

Date: April 29, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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