Megaload opponents aren't giving up after today's ruling from a state hearing officer. “Obviously we're disappointed, but we think the hearing officer misunderstood some of the facts and the evidence,” said Laird Lucas, attorney for the opponents. “I need to confer with my clients, but I think there's a likelihood we'll be filing a motion for reconsideration.”

Meanwhile, a business group dubbed “Drive Our Economy” that's been pushing for approval of the loads derided the opponents in a statement issued late Monday. “Environmental activists have claimed for months that their opposition was rooted in protecting the communities of Highway 12. But as they continue their opposition in communities like Moscow and Coeur d’Alene, it becomes increasingly clear that their only goal is to stop the shipments altogether – regardless of their routing,” said Alex LaBeau, president of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. “They do not care about Idaho jobs and commerce, or the best interest of our communities.”

Retired state Judge Duff McKee, the hearing officer, wrote in his ruling wrote that opponents are essentially offering a “not in my backyard” argument. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.