Protesters Block Mega Load Headed to Idaho

UMATILLA, Ore. (AP) — Protesters blocked the departure of an oil refinery megaload Sunday night at the Port of Umatilla. The East Oregonian reports (http://bit.ly/IAGuWa) two protesters were arrested after they locked themselves to the truck. It took police two hours to remove the men, and by the time they finished it was 11:30 p.m. A planned departure last Tuesday also was protested. The company handling the move said it was delayed because it took more time than expected to load and secure the equipment.

The megaload is oil refinery equipment destined for Alberta, Canada. It's 380 feet long and weighs 450 tons. From eastern Oregon it will travel through Idaho and Montana. Environmentalists are fighting the shipment to draw attention to concerns about climate change from developing tar sand oil in western Canada.