Tribal voters voice opposition to megaloads

Tribune
May 8, 2011

KAMIAH – Nez Perce tribal voters again asked their leaders to take a stand against megaloads Saturday.

With little debate, the tribe’s voting population passed a resolution directing the tribe’s nine-member executive committee to take action to stop the megaloads slated for travel across the Nez Perce Reservation along U.S. Highway 12.

Tribal member Julian Matthews of Pullman, who has been active in the movement against megaloads being planned by ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil/Imperial Oil, proposed the resolution. The resolution also calls for the tribe to stop using Exxon as its fuel supplier for its gas stations on the reservation.

The Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee has already taken a position against the loads, arguing they would create environmental and safety concerns the tribe feels would set an unacceptable precedent on the roadway.

Matthews said the intent of the resolution was to solidify the opposition of the General Council and the Nez Perce Tribe to the loads. It passed by a voice vote of the assembly Saturday afternoon, the final day of the tribe’s General Council meeting.

The resolution, along with others passed at this weekend’s General Council meeting, will be discussed at the next meeting of the executive committee.