GOP again blocks wind turbine bill in Senate

A Republican lawmaker has again blocked the Massachusetts Senate from taking a final vote on a bill that backers say will make it easier to site wind turbine facilities.

The bill had passed the Massachusetts Senate and House, but failed to win a final parliamentary vote in the Senate before the clock ran out in the Legislature's formal session on July 31.  Democratic leaders are hoping to push the bill through during the Legislature's informal session.

Gov. Deval Patrick has called the bill one of his priorities. Critics say it weakens the power of local communities. They tried again Monday, but Republican Sen. Michael Knapik of Westfield objected. Knapik said the bill is bad public policy. During informal sessions a single lawmaker can block a bill. Democrats say they'll try again.