Conn. legislation OK'd requiring wind power rules

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The Connecticut House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed legislation that requires regulations governing the approval of wind power projects.

Lawmakers voted 132-6 Tuesday to approve the bill. It requires the Connecticut Siting Council to adopt regulations on setbacks, a wind power project's impact on natural resources and other issues.

Rep. Vickie Nardello, the House chairwoman of the Energy and Technology Committee, said she hopes regulations would be drafted within a year. The bill now heads to the Senate.

Connecticut has no wind power turbines in operation. Earlier this month, the Siting Council rejected the first proposal in the state, a turbine in Prospect that drew opposition from some residents. The council cited the project's visual impact.

The council is responsible for ruling on locations for power facilities, transmission lines and hazardous waste facilities.