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 Napa County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance Small December 2010

Napa County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Dec. 31, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 21, 2021

California San Bernadino, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 8 Chapter 84-26 Small December 2012

San Bernadino, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 8 Chapter 84-26

Date: Dec. 27, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

California Mono County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 20.05 Small January 2002

Mono County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 20.05

Date: Jan. 31, 2002

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 20, 2021

California Contra Costa, California - Wind Energy Ordinance Both April 2011

Contra Costa, California - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 5, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 20, 2021

California Monterey, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 21.64.120 Both January 2009

Monterey, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 21.64.120

Date: Jan. 28, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 20, 2021

California Marin County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 22I Chapter 22.71 Both January 2012

Marin County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 22I Chapter 22.71

Date: Jan. 24, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 21, 2021

California Riverside County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 17.224 Article 2 Small January 2002

Riverside County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 17.224 Article 2

Date: Jan. 31, 2002

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Colorado Cheyenne County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance Large April 2011

Cheyenne County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 19, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Colorado Fort Lupton, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 18 Article I Section 18-9 Small September 2014

Fort Lupton, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 18 Article I Section 18-9

Date: Sept. 12, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 21, 2021

Colorado Park County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Division 7 Section 5-711 Small May 2016

Park County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Division 7 Section 5-711

Date: May 31, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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