Group challenges RI wind farm proposal

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - An environmental advocacy group is challenging a state law aimed at speeding the regulatory process for the construction of a wind farm off the coast of Block Island.

The law, passed this year by the General Assembly, requires the Public Utilities Commission to decide within 45 days whether to approve a proposed contract between the developer, Deepwater Wind , and National Grid, the utility.

The PUC rejected an earlier contract between the parties, saying it would cost too much for ratepayers.

The Conservation Law Foundation said Tuesday there's no reason for the PUC to take up the new contract. The CLF says the law stands to benefit only one company and is not good policy for the state. The CLF says the General Assembly overstepped its bounds by passing the new law.