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.

23 results | Download
State
Title
Type of Wind
Date Enacted/Updated
Massachusetts Barnstable, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance Both June 2007

Barnstable, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: June 14, 2007

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance Both July 2017

Boston, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: July 6, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Massachusetts Carver, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 3650 Both March 2013

Carver, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 3650

Date: March 1, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Charlton, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 5 Article 5.16 Small September 2012

Charlton, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 5 Article 5.16

Date: Sept. 1, 2012

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Chillmark, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4.2-4 Both August 2008

Chillmark, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4.2-4

Date: Aug. 1, 2008

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Cohasset, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 19 Large April 2011

Cohasset, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 19

Date: April 30, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

Massachusetts Dennis, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 11 Both October 2016

Dennis, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 11

Date: Oct. 18, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Massachusetts Duxbury, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 616 Small August 2010

Duxbury, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 616

Date: Aug. 2, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Edgartown, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance Small December 2011

Edgartown, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Dec. 2, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Fairhaven, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance Small May 2013

Fairhaven, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: May 4, 2013

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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