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.
|
State
|
Title
|
Type of Wind
|
Date Enacted/Updated
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 17 | Both | October 2014 |
| New Jersey | West Cape May, New Jersey - Wind Energy Ordinance | Small | February 2009 |
| North Dakota | Wells County, North Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance | Large | June 2009 |
| Texas | Weatherford, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance | Small | January 2010 |
| Minnesota | Watertown, Minnesota - Wind Energy Ordinance | Small | August 2010 |
| Michigan | Waterloo, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance | Small | December 2009 |
| Connecticut | Waterbury, Connecticut - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 10.25 | Small | June 2011 |
| North Carolina | Watauga County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance | Both | February 2014 |
| Nevada | Washoe County, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance | Both | June 2010 |
| Michigan | Washington Township, Michigan - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 4 - Section 4.6 | Small | April 2008 |