Groups suing over Canadian tar-sands pipeline

Environmental and Native American groups are suing the federal government over plans for a pipeline to bring tar-sands oil from Canada into the U.S.

Last month, the State Department approved the Alberta Clipper pipeline. The government said importing more oil from Canada will advance U.S. strategic interests.

But environmental groups, including the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, say oil from tar sands is worse for the environment, and contributes more to global warming, than conventional oil.

They say the State Department didn't study the issue thoroughly enough.

Meanwhile, Enbridge Energy has begun construction on the Alberta Clipper. The Bemidji Pioneer reports a section of Highway 2 near Bemidji collapsed Tuesday afternoon during drilling for the pipeline.