If first four loads don’t go up and over smoothly, battle will likely last for a generation-
The megaloads for the Billings, MT oil refinery now have a go ahead from Idaho, and will probably get one quickly from Montana. Highway 12 itself has been slippery to very slippery except in its lower portion. Parts of it have also been briefly closed to reduced to one lane due to rockslides.
Idaho official signs off on Highway 12 megaload permits. By Kim Briggeman of the Missoulian missoulian.com
Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is past President of the Western Watersheds Project and the creator of The Wildlife News.
Sure looks like the Idaho, in particular, governing entities will sell their souls and everyone else’s future health and well being for the sake of a few dollars in campaign funds. A pittance compared to the real cost of their ignorance and greed.
thanks for covering this issue. how are those loads going to make it over the pass with the amount of snow on the highway right now- making the road narrower than usual? not all the pullouts have even been plowed. these rigs are too big for hwy 12 and should be shipped on the traditional route.
They have not even made the new pullouts yet, that are required for this move, they may have permits from Idaho, but Montana has not issued permits yet and if they do, there are conditions required by the state of Montana to complete the move….right now it is about as clear as MUD!
So much for the designated Wild and Scenic Lochsa River that runs alongside highway 12. This is an outright travesty!