Judge plans to deny disputed western Maryland wind farm

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) — A judge is close to effectively killing a controversial wind farm proposal in western Maryland.

The Cumberland Times-News reports that Chief Public Utility Law Judge Terry J. Romine issued a proposed order Wednesday, finding that the project's potential benefits on Dan's Mountain are outweighed by the negative effects on the community south of Cumberland.

Orders often become final in about a month, although the Public Service Commission can modify or reverse the proposed order.

The project was blocked by land-use restrictions but the developer was seeking to convince regulators that the wind farm is a public necessity.

In a statement, Dan's Mountain Wind Force LLC said it is disappointed and argued that the project will create jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue.