By Jennifer Mitchell
MPBN news story
Two entities with an interest in the shipment of tar sands crude have filed a lawsuit against the city of South Portland over its Clear Skies ordinance passed in June.
The South Portland-Portland Pipe Line Corporation and the American Waterways Operators group allege in their complaint that the ordinance, which effectively bans tar sands transport in the municipality, is unconstitutional. The plaintiffs allege that the tar sands ordinance allows a municipality to interfere with international and interstate commerce and sets a dangerous precedent.
Meanwhile, several groups that lobbied on behalf of the South Portland ordinance say they will intervene in the lawsuit. MJ Ferrier, spokeswoman for Protect South Portland, called the lawsuit “disappointing” and said that the passage of the tar sands ordinance clearly shows the will of the people.
