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
Colorado Yuma County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 5 Section 5-104-I Large December 2014

Yuma County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 5 Section 5-104-I

Date: Dec. 16, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

Colorado Boulder County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4-514 (N) Small December 2016

Boulder County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4-514 (N)

Date: Dec. 1, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Colorado Thornton, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 18-172 Small April 2011

Thornton, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 18-172

Date: April 12, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Colorado Cheyenne County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance Large April 2011

Cheyenne County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 19, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Colorado El Paso County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 5 Section 5.1.60 Small May 2016

El Paso County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 5 Section 5.1.60

Date: May 17, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

Colorado Fort Lupton, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 18 Article I Section 18-9 Small September 2014

Fort Lupton, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 18 Article I Section 18-9

Date: Sept. 12, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 21, 2021

Colorado Nederland, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 16 Article IV Section 16-96 Small January 2014

Nederland, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 16 Article IV Section 16-96

Date: Jan. 30, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

Colorado Arapahoe County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance Small May 2012

Arapahoe County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: May 22, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Colorado Larimer County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance Small March 2009

Larimer County, Colorado - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: March 19, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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

Display results