Resistance Surrounds Portland's Ambitious Green Building Standard

"It was a bombshell to Portland homebuilders when city officials announced at a Chicago conference last month that every new building in the city would be taxed unless it reached a higher level of energy efficiency."

"Now, back home and faced with resistance, Portland officials are slowing their pace and spending a few months to deepen involvement by the public -- including builders and Realtors -- in creating the nation's most ambitious approach to sustainable housing and construction."

"Details are still being worked out. But so far, the policy includes:"

"For new homes and commercial buildings, three options for their energy efficiency. Meet the state's code and pay a fee to the city; beat the code's efficiency requirements by 30 percent and pay no fee while qualifying for incentives from the state and local nonprofits; beat the code by 45 percent and get a cash rebate from the city, in addition to the other incentives."

"For existing homes and commercial buildings, owners would be required to disclose energy and stormwater performance to potential buyers or tenants."

"Incentives for developers building green, and energy efficiency training for building trades workers."

"The rules would take effect in 2010."