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
North Dakota Bowman County, North Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VI - Section 6.11 Large April 2012

Bowman County, North Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VI - Section 6.11

Date: April 3, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Utah Box Elder County, Utah - Wind Energy Ordinance Both July 2010

Box Elder County, Utah - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: July 29, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

Minnesota Brainerd, Minnesota - Wind Energy Ordinance Both June 2009

Brainerd, Minnesota - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: June 26, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Vermont Braintree, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 6 - Section 6.10.8 Small March 2010

Braintree, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 6 - Section 6.10.8

Date: March 4, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

Vermont Brandon, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article III - Section 325 (a) Small May 2014

Brandon, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article III - Section 325 (a)

Date: May 19, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

New Jersey Brick Township, New Jersey - Wind Energy Ordinance Small March 2008

Brick Township, New Jersey - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: March 11, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Vermont Bristol, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section 527 Small March 2006

Bristol, Vermont - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section 527

Date: March 7, 2006

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Connecticut Brookfield, Connecticut - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 7 - Section 7.4 Small November 2009

Brookfield, Connecticut - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 7 - Section 7.4

Date: Nov. 8, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 21, 2021

South Dakota Brookings County, South Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance Large October 2001

Brookings County, South Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Oct. 2, 2001

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

South Dakota Brown County, South Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 4 Chapter 4.36 Both February 1997

Brown County, South Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 4 Chapter 4.36

Date: Feb. 18, 1997

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

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