Highway 12 Hearing in Lewiston!!!

Dear Wild & Scenic River Lovers,

Earlier this week, a lawsuit was filed by three Clearwater Valley residents against the Idaho Transportation Department for issuing permits to Conoco Phillips. Not to be confused with the ExxonMobil/Imperial Oil proposal, these (4) mega-loads are to be trucked up Highway 12 but their destination is an oil refinery in Billings, MT, not the Tar Sands in Alberta, Canada. That being said the Conoco Phillips modules pose a very serious threat to the values associated with the Clearwater Valley and could pave the way for the Wild & Scenic River corridor being transformed into an industrial highway.

The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the modules from being transported up the highway until the court implements a decision on the case. The hearing date and location has been re-scheduled for this Monday August 23 at 11am in Lewiston. The address of the Nez Perce County Courthouse in Lewiston is 1230 Main Street.

It is extremely important that concerned members of the public attend the hearing to show support for the plaintiffs and the corridor. We expect it to be a packed courtroom and we must ensure that there are plenty of people opposed to the proposal in attendance. If the judge issues an injunction Conoco Phillips will not be able to drive it's equipment up the highway until the conclusion of the case. In the event that an injunction is not granted, Conoco Phillips has indicated they will immediately begin trucking the modules up Rt 12.

Friends of the Clearwater is car-pooling to Lewiston on Monday morning. We are asking folks to please consider joining us for this very critical hearing. Please come to our office Monday morning at 10:00 am. We are located at 116 E. Third Street Room 211, just above the Shirt Shack.

For a great video on why these permits should not be issued go to: http://www.friendsoftheclearwater.org/node/972

Thank you for your continued support!


Defending the Wild,

Brett