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 Manitowoc County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance Small September 2013

Manitowoc County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Sept. 23, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

Wisconsin Manitowoc County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance Large July 2013

Manitowoc County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: July 31, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

Wisconsin Monroe County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 47-677 Large April 2016

Monroe County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 47-677

Date: April 19, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

Wisconsin New Glarus, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance Both July 2008

New Glarus, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: July 1, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Wisconsin Oconto, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 13-1-181 Both May 2017

Oconto, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 13-1-181

Date: May 11, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Wisconsin Polk County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance Small April 2008

Polk County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 1, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

Wisconsin Price County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 10.8 Both February 2009

Price County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 10.8

Date: Feb. 17, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Wisconsin Racine County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance Large December 2015

Racine County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Dec. 15, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Wisconsin Racine County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance Small December 2004

Racine County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Dec. 14, 2004

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Wisconsin Sauk County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7.078 - Section 4 Small December 2014

Sauk County, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7.078 - Section 4

Date: Dec. 30, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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