ExxonMobil beefs up megaloads security for conference

LEWISTON — ExxonMobil has hired off-duty police in Lewiston to provide extra security for its refinery equipment during an environmental conference taking place in north-central Idaho. Company spokesman Pius Rolheiser says the security measure comes in the wake of potential threats from members of Earth First!, which is holding its annual meeting in the nearby Lolo National Forest. The group has been critical of the company’s plans to ship massive, oversized loads of equipment along a scenic byway in northern Idaho en route to the Kearl Oil Sands in southern Alberta, Canada. Officials from the group had previously announced plans to stage civil disobedience on Wednesday against the shipments. Rolheiser told the Lewiston Tribune the additional, around-the-clock security for its equipment at the port in Lewiston is a prudent step.