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
Maine Winthrop, Maine - Wind Energy Ordinance Small April 2010

Winthrop, Maine - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 20, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 25, 2021

Connecticut Windsor, Connecticut - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 14.1.20 Small May 2012

Windsor, Connecticut - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 14.1.20

Date: May 25, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

Michigan Wilson, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance Both November 2008

Wilson, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Nov. 21, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

North Dakota Williams County, North Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VI - Chapter 6-10 Large September 2015

Williams County, North Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article VI - Chapter 6-10

Date: Sept. 15, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Illinois Will County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title XV Chapter 155 Section 155-9.260 Large October 2012

Will County, Illinois - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title XV Chapter 155 Section 155-9.260

Date: Oct. 1, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 22, 2021

Maryland Wicomico County, Maryland - Wind Energy Ordinance Small March 2010

Wicomico County, Maryland - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: March 2, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Texas Wichita Falls, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance Both May 2009

Wichita Falls, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: May 5, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Indiana White County, Indiana - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7 Both August 2008

White County, Indiana - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7

Date: Aug. 7, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

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

Utah West Valley City, Utah - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7-7-203 Small March 2017

West Valley City, Utah - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 7-7-203

Date: March 16, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

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