Schweitzer tells landowners to take oil samples

BILLINGS — The state of Montana has cut its ties to a joint Exxon Mobil-government command post overseeing an oil spill in the Yellowstone River after the governor said the group was defying state open government laws by denying public access.

The move underscores mounting tensions between the state and one of the world's largest energy companies over its handling of the pipeline rupture that spewed an estimated 42,000 gallons of oil into the scenic river.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg of Montana said the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials will hold th...