Raymond oil resolution calls for 'due diligence'

RAYMOND — The Maine town of Raymond is the latest to pass a resolution on the possibility of oil from western Canada passing through a pipeline running from Portland to Montreal.

But unlike other towns’ resolutions in Maine and Vermont that outright oppose so-called tar sands oil passing through the pipeline, Raymond’s calls on state and federal officials to use the same “due diligence” in addressing the oil as it would any other similar project.

Selectmen passed the resolution in a unanimous vote Tuesday.

Critics say tar sands oil poses greater environmental and safety risks than conventional crude, but oil industry representatives disagree.

Selectman Charles Leavitt says Raymond’s resolution doesn’t contain political rhetoric, but it also acknowledges that Portland Pipe Line has expressed an interest in having its pipeline carry the oil.