A local group wants to speak on behalf of the state in a federal lawsuit involving New York Regional Interconnect.

The group is called "CARI:" Communities Against Regional Interconnect. It is made up of eight county representatives and five public interest groups. All of them would be directly affected by the proposed power line project.

NYRI is challenging the law signed by former Governor George Pataki limiting eminent domain in New York State. NYRI officials say it's unconstitutional because it singles them out.

Madison County CARI representative Rocco DiVeronica disagrees.

"I think any court case has to have some impact, and the impact is coming from CARI right now," he said. "To make sure they know that line is going to impact the people in Central New York".

CARI won't know until April 10th if they will be allowed to have a say in the federal lawsuit.