The WSJ catches up with Planet Gore: Mandatory energy-efficiency audits hit Austin, Texas:

The city of Austin, Texas, has begun requiring homeowners to conduct energy-efficiency audits before they can sell their house, a move it says provides a model for cities and states seeking ways to push energy conservation.
With its new law effective last week, Austin joined at least two other U.S. cities — San Francisco and Berkeley, Calif. — that require the audits, which can include a review of a home’s air-conditioning and heating systems, insulation and air-tightness, and generally cost owners from $200 to $300. . . .
Critics of the measure, including homeowners and real-estate professionals, worry that listing all a home’s energy-related flaws could drive down prices and even sabotage some sales. The number of homes sold in April was down 18% from the same month last year, according to the Austin Board of Realtors.
Sellers who refuse the audit are subject to being charged with a misdemeanor, a penalty some home sellers and real-estate agents call excessive. Austin city councilman Mike Martinez said the criminal tag shows the city is serious.

What’s next? Use an air conditioner on a day that’s not hot enough and you go to jail?