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.

14 results | Download
State
Title
Type of Wind
Date Enacted/Updated
Pennsylvania Conewago, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Large March 2015

Conewago, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: March 16, 2015

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Pennsylvania Erie, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Section 611 Small August 2010

Erie, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Section 611

Date: Aug. 17, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on May 27, 2022

Pennsylvania Lititz, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 425 Small December 2016

Lititz, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 425

Date: Dec. 27, 2016

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Pennsylvania Logan Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Large August 2009

Logan Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 27, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Pennsylvania Manheim, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Small August 2009

Manheim, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 10, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 19, 2018

Pennsylvania Manor Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 425-31 Small May 2010

Manor Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 425-31

Date: May 3, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 26, 2021

Pennsylvania Millcreek, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 6.13 Both April 2009

Millcreek, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance - Section 6.13

Date: April 28, 2009

Verified by WINDExchange on May 7, 2019

Pennsylvania Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Large December 2011

Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Dec. 9, 2011

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

Pennsylvania Paint Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Both August 2018

Paint Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: Aug. 7, 2018

Verified by WINDExchange on May 18, 2019

Pennsylvania Portage Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance Small May 2010

Portage Township, Pennsylvania - Wind Energy Ordinance

Date: May 7, 2010

Verified by WINDExchange on Jan. 18, 2018

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