Pathways to Justice 2019

Property Assessed Clean Energy Home Loans have become the weapon of choice for unscrupulous contractors. The loans that are used to finance so-called "clean energy" upgrades become first-priority liens and subordinate all other secured interests in the property. The result for consumers is rising levels of fraud, extremely aggressive sales practices, and inappropriately-expensive lending. Because PACE loans become first-priority liens against borrowers' property, they are essentially risk-free. Lenders, however, are charging high up-front fees, and very high interest rates. Customers often are not even aware of the loan until an elevated property-tax bill arrives. Efforts to address the legislation are slowly making headway, but litigation is confronting obstacles.

The PACE Panel will address what PACE is, why PACE is so devastating, how it is being addressed legislatively, our experience with litigation, and how attorneys can address all these issues.