New York Attorney Andrew Cuomo has asked a court to review decisions [1] by federal energy officials to increase power line construction. The U.S Department Of Energy, earlier this month, refused to re-hear a decision involving New York's decision to declare itself part of "national interest electric transmission corridor."

Proponents for the project say it will prevent future blackouts by encouraging new high-voltage power lines. Opponents say the lines would scar the rural landscape, disrupt neighborhoods and boost upstate New York power costs. NYRI [2] ( New York Regional Interconnection), aimed at expanding and modernizing electrical transmission systems, had no comment.

Last month, NYRI submitted a revised plan that called for burying the power line through heavily populated areas but was denied such action.

In Cuomo's own words:

"The DOE's action was taken without proper environmental review and could harm residences, businesses and natural resources in the region of the proposed NYRI line. DOE's action is illegal and through this challenge, I will continue the fight to protect homeowners and the environment in New York and New York's right to make it's own energy siting decisions."