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
Wisconsin Barron, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance Both April 2017

Barron, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 28, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Vermont Barre, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 5.2.03 Small August 2010

Barre, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 5.2.03

Date: Aug. 27, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Massachusetts Barnstable, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance Both June 2007

Barnstable, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: June 14, 2007

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Vermont Barnet, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article IV - Section 417 Small October 1997

Barnet, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article IV - Section 417

Date: Oct. 9, 1997

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

Michigan Banks Township, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VIII - Section 8.03 - 14 Both October 2009

Banks Township, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VIII - Section 8.03 - 14

Date: Oct. 9, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Alabama Baldwin County, Alabama - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 13.13 Large May 2013

Baldwin County, Alabama - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 13.13

Date: May 23, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 20, 2021

Texas Balch Springs, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 28 Small May 2010

Balch Springs, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 28

Date: May 24, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Connecticut Avon, Connecticut - Wind Energy Ordinance - Appendix D Section IV - U Small June 2009

Avon, Connecticut - Wind Energy Ordinance - Appendix D Section IV - U

Date: June 9, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

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

Ohio Ashtabula, Ohio - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 564.25 (small) and Section 564.26 (large) Both January 2014

Ashtabula, Ohio - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 564.25 (small) and Section 564.26 (large)

Date: Jan. 8, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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