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
New York Town of Cortlandville, New York - Wind Energy Ordinance Both June 2013

Town of Cortlandville, New York - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: June 9, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on March 10, 2019

Wisconsin Town of Chilton, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 24.423 Large February 2012

Town of Chilton, Wisconsin - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 24.423

Date: Feb. 27, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

New York Town of Cape Vincent, New York - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 7.14.8 - Section 7.14.9 Both September 2014

Town of Cape Vincent, New York - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 7.14.8 - Section 7.14.9

Date: Sept. 3, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

New Hampshire Town of Brookfield, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VIII Small March 2017

Town of Brookfield, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VIII

Date: March 14, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

New Hampshire Town of Bristol, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article XIV Small March 2009

Town of Bristol, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article XIV

Date: March 10, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

New Hampshire Town of Boscawen, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article XXII Small March 2016

Town of Boscawen, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article XXII

Date: March 9, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Maine Town of Bethel, Maine - Wind Energy Ordinance Large June 2017

Town of Bethel, Maine - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: June 14, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on May 19, 2019

New Hampshire Town of Bedford, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance Small March 2009

Town of Bedford, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: March 10, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

New Hampshire Town of Auburn, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 11 Small March 2014

Town of Auburn, New Hampshire - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 11

Date: March 1, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

New York Town of Amherst, New York - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 6-8-14 Small August 2009

Town of Amherst, New York - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 6-8-14

Date: Aug. 17, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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