Most U.S. banks maintained tight lending standards in the first quarter, according to the latest senior loan officer survey conducted by the Federal Reserve System. The April survey indicated that most banks kept their lending standards unchanged in the first quarter, but that a small number of banks further tightened many terms on loans to businesses and households. For almost all loan categories for which the survey indicated a further net tightening of credit standards, the number of banks that reported having done so edged down and in a few categories banks eased standards. The survey also indicated that loan demand generally weakened further. To view a summary of the results, click here.

Google Inc. has invested $38.8 million in two North Dakota wind farms, the search-engine and advertising company announced Monday. It was the first direct investment the company has made in a large-scale renewable energy project. The two wind farms generate 169.5 megawatts of power, which is enough to meet the needs of about 55,000 homes, and will not require construction of new transmission lines. The North Dakota wind farms were built by NextEra Energy Resources LLC of Juno Beach, Fla., which operates seven wind farms and a repair and service facility in Iowa.

Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. (MMC) reported net income of $248 million, or 45 cents per share, for the quarter that ended March 31, compared with net income of $176 million, or 33 cents per share, for the same period in 2009. Brian Duperreault, MMC president and CEO, said the results reflect “effective management of our businesses throughout the economic downturn.” MMC’s consolidated revenues in the first quarter of 2010 rose 7 percent to $2.8 billion from the first quarter of 2009 and were flat on an underlying basis. Marsh employs approximately 1,700 people in Greater Des Moines.

Alliant Energy Corp. announced first-quarter earnings of $50.5 million, or 45 cents per share, compared with $32.2 million, or 30 cents per share, for the first quarter of 2009. Earnings for the Madison, Wis.-based utility business were positively affected by retail rate increases, weather and lower capacity costs, the company said. Operating results were “in line with our expectations,” said Bill Harvey, the company’s chairman, president and CEO, in a press release.