States eager to promote renewable energy are increasingly passing laws that allow homeowners to overcome local opposition to home solar panels and wind turbines.
Since 2005, eight states — including four last year — have enacted laws to abolish stringent rules imposed by some homeowners associations and local agencies on residents who want to power their homes with the sun or wind. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed such a bill two weeks ago. Final action is near in Virginia and Florida.
Some new laws say homeowners groups can't ban such technology. Others say local governments can't enforce rules that significantly raise the cost of installing eco-friendly energy systems.
The rest of the story is here:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2008-05-12-green_N.htm
States remove local barriers to eco-friendly homes
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