HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Along with state lawmakers, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has proposed legislation to establish a partnership with the State of New York regarding environmental and energy needs.

Blumenthal said Friday the commission would review ways that both states can work together to address shared needs for renewable energy sources and to protect the Long Island Sound from environmental harm.

Blumenthal teamed with New York Gov. David Paterson in a fight against Broadwater Energy, which wanted to construct a liquefied natural gas facility in Long Island Sound. Also, Islander East's request for a pipeline permit was denied by Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection.

"Our victories over Broadwater and Islander East underscore the need for joint and proactive action related to environmental and energy needs," Blumenthal said.

"Our states are tightly bound by historic opportunity and necessity. Today we call for establishing a joint commission between Connecticut and New York -- representing businesses, ordinary citizens, environmental groups, commercial and recreational users of the Sound, utility regulators, and consumer advocates."

The commission would consider designating areas of Long Island Sound to be protected from all development and support liquefied gas facilities that meet the energy needs of the region with relatively clean energy, Blumenthal added.

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.