State and local governments ponder legislating efficiency

Whether you are for or against government regulation, the tide seems to be turning toward legislation that will enforce or encourage energy efficiency. Consider laws now being debated in Ohio, New England, and Michigan.

These proposals focus primarily on sticks and carrots to get utilities to decrease output, plus incentives (including subsidized prices) for energy efficient products, like CFLs. Energy bills to homeowners should see only very small increases.