Officer Denies Motion To Rehear Megaloads Case

A hearing officer has rejected a motion to reconsider his decision in favor of a plan by ExxonMobil to haul massive loads of equipment along a scenic highway in north central Idaho.

Former state judge Duff McKee rejected the request Monday filed by critics of Exxon's plans to ship the oversized loads along U.S. Highway 12.

McKee said nothing raised in the motion proved he overlooked or misapplied evidence presented during a December hearing.

The oil company is awaiting permits from the Idaho Transportation Department to begin hauling as many as 200 shipments through the state en route to the oil sands project in Canada.

Opponents say they are disappointed in the latest setback, but intend to file exceptions to McKee's decision with the 21-day period allowed by state rules.
Associated Press