The Financial Post reports in its Tuesday, March 24, edition that a coalition of environmental advocates in British Columbia is taking the National Energy Board to Canada's highest court in a challenge of the pipeline approval process. A Canadian Press dispatch to the Post reports that the group has filed a constitutional action against the NEB, arguing restrictive rules unfairly limit public participation in the pipeline debate. The group of landowners, business people, academics and environmental groups contends the process impedes the Charter rights of Canadians and it is appealing a Federal Court's refusal to hear its application against the board. Lawyer David Martin says his clients believe it is wrong for the NEB to claim it cannot consider scientific evidence regarding the long-term impacts of exporting crude oil. He says that environmental and health impacts of pipeline projects mean full public hearings are necessary and they want the Supreme Court of Canada to direct the board to do its job properly. The board has been criticized for its approach at hearings for the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway project and Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline.