NC utilities move forward with 'green' programs

North Carolina: 'Green' homes get go-ahead in the state

Prompted by public demand, utility companies are beginning to subsidize the cost of 'green' upgrades to homes. By the end of the year, a homeowner in North Carolina will be able to choose from a smorgasbord of financial incentives -- federal, state and local.

"If you haven't checked in lately on these things, there is this opportunity for combo incentives where you get anywhere from 30 percent to 50 percent off on these high-dollar [upgrades]," said Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

It's a move in the right direction.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Some lawmakers consider upping tobacco tax even more

ARKANSAS: $4.5 billion budget approved by lawmakers

FLORIDA: "Florida Forever" land preservation program zeroed out in budget

GEORGIA: Mental health reformers conflicted over settlement on state psychiatric hospitals

KENTUCKY: A look at Kentucky's General Assembly session

LOUISIANA: Rep. Guillory, Pat Cravins in runoff for senate seat

MISSISSIPPI: Officials from Missisippi, Alabama, and Louisiana make pitch for high-speed rail

SOUTH CAROLINA: School, safety funds from stimulus deal up in the air

TENNESSEE: Senate to consider written driver's license tests in English only

VIRGINIA: Frederick is out as GOP chairman

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