The megaloads now making their way across Idaho and Utah are just a precursor to hundreds more that will support the expansion of the Alberta Tar Sands. The environmental impact of this project is almost beyond comprehension and both the ecosystem and the local population is paying a heavy price.
The United States now gets more of its oil from the tar sands of northern Alberta than from any other source. Oil sand development in Alberta could eventually cover an area the size of Greece. It's a huge part of the Canadian economy - and a big impact on the environment. Two Canadians who want a moratorium on that development - former Mikesew Cree chief George Poitras and Dene Nation tribal leader Francois Paulette - spoke recently in this feature interview with Montana Public Radio News Director Sally Mauk about the impacts the oil sands development has had on their people.