Vermont senate confounds pipeline reversal plan
by the CANADIAN PRESS
The state senate advanced legilsation to toughen environmental reviews on the pipeline
MONTPELIER, Vt.—The Vermont Senate has advanced legislation that would tighten environmental reviews over an oil pipeline if there are significant changes in how it will be used.
Preliminary approval Friday came without substantial debate. It follows concerns voiced by environmental groups that owners of the Portland Montreal Pipe Line are looking to reverse its current east-to-west flow and begin shipping so-called oil from western Canadian oil sands through northern New England for loading onto ships in Maine.
The Senate was to take up the bill on Thursday but delayed action after a law firm representing the pipeline’s owner pointed to potential legal problems with the bill.
Approval came on an overwhelming voice vote.
The Associated Press
