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
California San Luis Abisbo County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 23.08.316 Both December 1992

San Luis Abisbo County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 23.08.316

Date: Dec. 15, 1992

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 20, 2021

California Santa Barbara, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 35.57 Both December 2011

Santa Barbara, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 35.57

Date: Dec. 1, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

California Santa Cruz County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance Both January 1983

Santa Cruz County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Jan. 31, 1983

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

California Solano County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 28.80 Large January 2012

Solano County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 28.80

Date: Jan. 31, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

California Sonoma County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance Small September 2013

Sonoma County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Sept. 10, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

California Sutter County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Part 3 - Article 17 Small June 2016

Sutter County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Part 3 - Article 17

Date: June 1, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

California Yolo County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance Both September 2015

Yolo County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Sept. 18, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Colorado Arapahoe County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance Small May 2012

Arapahoe County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: May 22, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Colorado Aurora, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance Both April 2011

Aurora, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 11, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

Colorado Boulder County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4-514 (N) Small December 2016

Boulder County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4-514 (N)

Date: Dec. 1, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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