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.

16 results | Download
State
Title
Type of Wind
Date Enacted/Updated
North Carolina Carteret County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance Both November 2013

Carteret County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Nov. 18, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

North Carolina Iredell County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance Both April 2016

Iredell County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 13, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

North Carolina Pasquotank, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 9 - Section 9.04-32 Both January 2011

Pasquotank, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 9 - Section 9.04-32

Date: Jan. 10, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

North Carolina Currituck County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance Both January 2008

Currituck County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Jan. 22, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

North Carolina Tyrrell County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance Both April 2009

Tyrrell County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 21, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

North Carolina Hyde County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance Both November 2008

Hyde County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Nov. 3, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

North Carolina Watauga County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance Both February 2014

Watauga County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Feb. 18, 2014

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

North Carolina Camden County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance Both September 2007

Camden County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Sept. 17, 2007

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

North Carolina Craven County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance Both May 2013

Craven County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: May 6, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on March 7, 2018

North Carolina Davidson County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section OO Both November 2015

Davidson County, North Carolina - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article V - Section OO

Date: Nov. 2, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

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