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 Jersey New Jersey Counties with Wind Energy Ordinances

New Jersey Counties with Wind Energy Ordinances

Verified by WINDExchange on June 23, 2017

North Carolina North Carolina Model Wind Ordinance

North Carolina Model Wind Ordinance

Verified by WINDExchange on June 23, 2017

Washington Whatcom County, Washington, Wind Energy Systems Ordinance Both May 2023

Whatcom County, Washington, Wind Energy Systems Ordinance

Date: May 9, 2023

Verified by WINDExchange on June 27, 2023

Maryland Maryland Counties with Wind Energy Ordinances May 2019

Maryland Counties with Wind Energy Ordinances

Date: May 6, 2019

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

Iowa Kossuth County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance Large August 2018

Kossuth County, Iowa - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 14, 2018

Verified by WINDExchange on May 18, 2019

Pennsylvania Paint Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Both August 2018

Paint Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 7, 2018

Verified by WINDExchange on May 18, 2019

Indiana Henry County, Indiana - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 9.0 Both June 2018

Henry County, Indiana - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 9.0

Date: June 13, 2018

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

Michigan Shiawassee County, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance Both May 2018

Shiawassee County, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: May 11, 2018

Verified by WINDExchange on May 18, 2019

Michigan Oliver Township, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 1308 (small) Section 1407 (large) Both May 2018

Oliver Township, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 1308 (small) Section 1407 (large)

Date: May 9, 2018

Verified by WINDExchange on May 18, 2019

Texas Nolanville, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Division 10 - Section 620.1 Small May 2018

Nolanville, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Division 10 - Section 620.1

Date: May 3, 2018

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

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