New Haven Independent

Connecticut Attorney General Dick Blumenthal was in a celebratory mood Thursday about the latest roadblock to hit the Broadwater plan: new New York Gov. David Paterson delivered what might prove a death-knell when he announced the state would reject the proposal. Connecticut politicians and environmentalists have fiercely opposed the plan, which a federal regulatory agency had approved as safe and necessary to meet the region’s energy needs.

Blumenthal was full of praise for Paterson at a state Capitol press chat Thursday afternoon.

“He is well-informed on Broadwater — much more so than Gov. [Eliot] Spitzer was,” Blumenthal said. Spitzer stepped down March 12 amid a sex scandal.

Blumenthal acknowledged that the Broadwater fight might not be over. The company hoping to build the floating plant has indicated that it might appeal New York’s decision.

“The next round will inevitably come,” Blumenthal said. “But we are on solid ground. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with New York.”

He added that Paterson had told him he should celebrate the victory by taking Thursday off. Blumenthal passed on that advice.