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
Oklahoma Owasso, Oklahoma - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 17.2 Small June 2012

Owasso, Oklahoma - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 17.2

Date: June 5, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

Missouri Blue Springs, Missouri - Wind Energy Ordinance Small August 2009

Blue Springs, Missouri - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 3, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

Minnesota Stevens County, Minnesota - Wind Energy Ordinance Small August 2011

Stevens County, Minnesota - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 12, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Texas Leander, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article IV - Section 5 (j) Small April 2017

Leander, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article IV - Section 5 (j)

Date: April 6, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on Dec. 27, 2023

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

Nebraska Saunders County, Nebraska - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 9 Section 9.10 Small March 2015

Saunders County, Nebraska - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 9 Section 9.10

Date: March 3, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

Tennessee Gibson County, Tennessee - Wind Energy Ordinance Small November 2016

Gibson County, Tennessee - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Nov. 7, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

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

Arizona Bullhead City, Arizona - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 17 Section 39 Small December 2009

Bullhead City, Arizona - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 17 Section 39

Date: Dec. 15, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

North Carolina Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance Small October 2007

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Oct. 24, 2007

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

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