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

Oklahoma Yukon, Oklahoma - Wind Energy Ordinance Both December 2014

Yukon, Oklahoma - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Dec. 15, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

California Yolo County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance Both September 2015

Yolo County, California - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Sept. 18, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Texas Wylie, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 2 - Section 2.5 (3) Small August 2015

Wylie, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 2 - Section 2.5 (3)

Date: Aug. 6, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Minnesota Wright County, Minnesota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title XV - Chapter 155 – Section 155.107 Both February 2016

Wright County, Minnesota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title XV - Chapter 155 – Section 155.107

Date: Feb. 12, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Worcester, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article IV Section 13 Both June 2007

Worcester, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article IV Section 13

Date: June 12, 2007

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Maryland Worcester County, Maryland - Wind Energy Ordinance Both April 2010

Worcester County, Maryland - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 28, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Illinois Woodford County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Zoning Ordinance - Section 28 Large September 2012

Woodford County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Zoning Ordinance - Section 28

Date: Sept. 18, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 22, 2021

Illinois Woodford County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Zoning Ordinance - Section 27 Small August 2008

Woodford County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Zoning Ordinance - Section 27

Date: Aug. 19, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 22, 2021

Massachusetts Woburn, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance Both February 2017

Woburn, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Feb. 1, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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