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GOP lawmaker blocks vote on MA wind power bill

WBZ-TV

A Republican lawmaker has blocked a final vote in the Massachusetts Senate on a bill supporters say would streamline the siting of wind power facilities.

The bill had passed both the Massachusetts Senate and House, but failed to win a final parliamentary vote in the Senate before the clock ran down in the Legislature's formal session at midnight on July 31.

Democrats tried to push the bill through on Monday, but Republican Sen. Michael Knapik of Westfield objected.

During informal sessions a single lawmaker can block a bill.

Gov. Deval Patrick has called the bill a priority. Critics say it undermines local control.

Democrats have vowed to try again. If the final vote continues to be blocked, lawmakers will have to start the process from scratch next year.

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