State issues permits, but stays shipments for now

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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Transportation Department has issued permits allowing oil giant ConocoPhillips to haul massive refinery equipment along scenic U.S. Highway 12 in northern Idaho.

But the agency also suspended the big rigs from rolling any time soon, at least until opponents of the shipments have a chance to make their case before an administrative judge.

ConocoPhillips is seeking to haul four oversized loads from the port in Lewiston to its refinery in Billings, Mont. The shipments are planned along Highway 12, which cuts through a federally protected river corridor and parallels the Clearwater and Lochsa rivers.

An attorney representing opponents of the shipments says he will immediately file a request to intervene, triggering the administrative hearing process.

Agency officials have given no timetable for the hearing.

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