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
Utah Washington Terrace, Utah - Wind Energy Ordinance Small June 2013

Washington Terrace, Utah - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: June 4, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Pennsylvania Washington, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Small August 2010

Washington, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 27, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

Virginia Washington County, Virginia - Wind Energy Ordinance Both December 2012

Washington County, Virginia - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Dec. 11, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Tennessee Washington County, Tennessee - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section 516.2 Small September 2016

Washington County, Tennessee - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section 516.2

Date: Sept. 26, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Maryland Washington County, Maryland - Wind Energy Ordinance Small June 2009

Washington County, Maryland - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: June 16, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Oregon Wasco County, Oregon - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 19 Both July 2016

Wasco County, Oregon - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 19

Date: July 7, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri - Wind Energy Ordinance Both May 2012

Warrensburg, Missouri - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: May 14, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Indiana Warren County, Indiana - Wind Energy Ordinance Both August 2016

Warren County, Indiana - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 4, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on May 18, 2019

South Dakota Walworth County, South Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 5.24 (large) and 5.22 (small) Both May 2017

Walworth County, South Dakota - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 5.24 (large) and 5.22 (small)

Date: May 10, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on May 18, 2019

Texas Waller, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance Small October 2010

Waller, Texas - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Oct. 18, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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