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 Freetown, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 11 Section 11.24 Both June 2010

Freetown, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 11 Section 11.24

Date: June 7, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Gloucester, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section V Chapter 5.22 and 5.23 Both May 2007

Gloucester, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section V Chapter 5.22 and 5.23

Date: May 15, 2007

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

Massachusetts Hamilton, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 7.3 Both March 2017

Hamilton, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 7.3

Date: March 1, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Harwich, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance Large May 2009

Harwich, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: May 4, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Massachusetts Kingston, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4.18 Small April 2011

Kingston, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 4.18

Date: April 12, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on May 6, 2019

Massachusetts Mashpee, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article IX - Section174-45.5 Small October 2007

Mashpee, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article IX - Section174-45.5

Date: Oct. 15, 2007

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Millbury, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 4 - Section 50 Small May 2010

Millbury, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Article 4 - Section 50

Date: May 4, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Massachusetts Orleans, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 164-35.1 Both May 2004

Orleans, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 164-35.1

Date: May 10, 2004

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Massachusetts Salem, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance Both April 2017

Salem, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: April 28, 2017

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

Massachusetts Topsfield, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance Small December 2010

Topsfield, Massachusetts - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Dec. 8, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

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