There were a few whoppers told on the House floor today in the debate over HB 193a, the bill to block citizen lawsuits over giant megaloads on Idaho roads. First, the bill's sponsor, Rep. Dick Harwood, repeatedly said the companies shipping megaloads will post a $250 million bond to cover damage; the bond is actually $10 million. Secondly, Harwood told the House repeatedly that the giant loads are only  permitted to travel from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., and said, "They only travel from 11 at night 'til 4 o'clock in the morning, and I'm not sure there's a lot of scenic people out running around from 11 at night 'til 4 in the morning looking at scenery." Actually, the giant loads are permitted to travel from 10 p.m. until 5:30 a.m.

And finally, Harwood talked about "how much the company has done for the state of Idaho - we have gained a lot. We've got a blacktop road and lots of turnouts. They've done a lot for the road." Actually, ExxonMobil paid to improve nine turnouts along Highway 12 by graveling and leveling them, but did not pave the route or add any new turnouts; the highway has been paved since 1962.