As the hearing begins, ConocoPhillips and ITD moved to exclude an array of evidence, from anything about the larger plan from ExxonMobil for more than 200 megaloads to other information about Montana regulations, routes, accidents and more. "There has been no showing or evidence why those loads relate to these loads. ... It's simply not relevant," said Erik Stidham, attorney for ConocoPhillips. Laird Lucas, attorney for the opponents of the loads, responded that some of that information may well be relevant, and he'd oppose any blanket exclusion. Hearing officer Merlyn Clark denied the motion. "I will consider any objections that are made at the time the evidence is presented," he said. He also rejected, in similar manner, a motion to exclude testimony from the lead plaintiff, Linwood Laughy, on the grounds that he's not an expert on transportation plans and safety. "He's very, very familiar with this road," Lucas said. "He's going to be testifying about his own personal experiences."