A Chance to Restore PACE: Submit Comments to FHFA

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is seeking public comment on local property assessed clean energy (PACE) programs, which FHFA effectively shut down in 2010. If you want to help restore the job-creating, energy-saving programs pioneered by local governments, now is your chance to submit feedback on PACE and on FHFA's objections to these programs.

According to PACENow.org, "The United States District Court found that FHFA violated the federal Administrative Procedures Act when it issued its July 6, 2010 statement that prohibits Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and other government sponsored enterprises that it regulates from buying residential mortgages with PACE assessments." A court order ruled that FHFA must conduct a public notice and comment period for 60 days to weigh in on PACE programs.

PACENow also writes, that "this is an important opportunity to challenge the FHFA’s ban on PACE and provide comments to FHFA on the broad public policy objectives that PACE furthers, the extensive public support for PACE programs, the FHFA’s stated objections to PACE, and suggest a rule to allow residential PACE programs to proceed."

Comments are due by March 26. View the Federal Register Notice, suggestions on how to comment, and other key documents on the PACENow website.