Stumbling block? Yes. Brick wall? No. Governor Pataki on Tuesday signed a bill into law prohibiting gas and electric companies from using the powers of eminent domain to build power lines. While the move does indeed provide a pretty tall obstacle for NYRI to clear if they want to build their proposed power line in Central New York, it does not stop the structure in its tracks.

The Department of Energy will soon designate certain areas 'electricity congestion corridors.' If one of the areas involved in NYRI's proposed power line's path gets its designation, that could open up a federal route by which they can pursue their proposed power line.

Officials with Congressman Sherwood Boehlert's office say the congressman will continue to fight the power line with every ounce of his being until his last day in office--and quite possibly beyond that.