Once again, Idaho is choking on megaloads, and its fractious relationship with the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Hauler Omega Morgan has two giant water purification vessels staged at the Port of Wilma in Clarkston, awaiting Idaho permits for the trip up the Clearwater and Lochsa rivers to Lolo Pass and, ultimately, the tar sands region of northern Alberta. Montana has already approved an application for the two units, as it did for other megaloads two years ago. The earlier shipments were strongly opposed by environmental groups and residents along the river route whose travel along U.S. Highway 12 was periodically blocked by refinery equipment more than 200 feet long, 20 feet wide and weighing more than 600,000 pounds. Although a few loads went through, the resistance ultimately forced that manufacturer to cut most down enough that they could travel on Interstate 90/SR Editorial Board. More here.

Question: Why are we still having this debate re: megaloads & Highway 12?