Pay close attention to your local zoning boards and county commissions. A lot of them only "think" they are doing the right thing but are clueless as to who is pulling the strings. After all, who could be against clean air and water and less pollution? I guess those that think for themselves and don't want to be political pawns and want to maintain their rights and freedom while being good stewards of the environment at the same time. It can be done.
When we built new in 2001, it was my wallet, long term, that I wanted to protect. We put in a ground source heat pump, super insulation, best windows, etc. No one had to mandate anything...