Environmental groups question refinery near national park

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Environmental groups opposing the site of an oil refinery being developed near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota want a judge to reconsider his recent recommendation that state regulators dismiss the groups' challenge.

Administrative Law Judge Patrick Ward in a nonbinding ruling last month said the Public Service Commission doesn't have jurisdiction in the dispute because Meridian Energy Group is planning a refinery with a capacity below a threshold in state law that requires a site permit from the PSC.