Green Retrofit Loan Program May be Revived
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) initiative that helped property owners install green upgrades before it ran into government roadblocks last year soon may be resuscitated by Congress. (The Los Angeles Times)

Louisiana Congressman Calls for End to Energy Star
As House leaders scrambled to find an agreement on a debt ceiling proposal, Rep. John Fleming pushed for an end to the federal program. (New Orleans City Business)

Power Struggle Over Michigan Wind Farms is Growing
They may have a reputation for being clean and green, but wind farms are sparking controversy in Michigan. (The Detroit Free Press)

Smart Meter Privacy Rules Adopted In California
The California Public Utilities Comission (CPUC) has approved a set of rules that seek to protect the data and privacy of customer’s usage rates gathered by smart meters in the state. (Earth Techling)

California May Require Net-Zero Houses by 2020
In the next nine years, California regulators want builders to make new houses so energy-efficient that on balance, they consume no energy at all. (The North County Times)

Renovation Projects in California Town Will be Required to Include Energy-Efficient Elements
The Benicia City Council voted to amend the California Green Building Standards Code so it applies to room additions as well as new single-family homes in the town. (The Benicia Patch)

Menlo Park Moves Closer to Greener Standards
The ordinance, which has been approved in a first reading, requires new residential construction to exceed California’s required energy efficiency by 15%. (Almanac News)