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.

7 results | Download
State
Title
Type of Wind
Date Enacted/Updated
Nevada Washoe County, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance Both June 2010

Washoe County, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: June 22, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Nevada City of Sparks, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance Both August 2015

City of Sparks, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 24, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Nevada Lyon County, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 10 - Chapter 21 Both May 2012

Lyon County, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 10 - Chapter 21

Date: May 3, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Nevada North Las Vegas, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 17.24.140 D Small October 2011

North Las Vegas, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Chapter 17.24.140 D

Date: Oct. 1, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Nevada Churchill County, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 16 Chapter 16 Section 16.16.030.4 Small August 2016

Churchill County, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 16 Chapter 16 Section 16.16.030.4

Date: Aug. 4, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

Nevada Boulder City, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 11 - Chapter 20 - Section 9 Small December 2011

Boulder City, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Title 11 - Chapter 20 - Section 9

Date: Dec. 16, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Nevada Carson City, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 18.05.080 Small July 2009

Carson City, Nevada - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 18.05.080

Date: July 2, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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