Enbridge blasts pipeline critics' conduct

Enbridge Inc. is firing back at critics of its Alberta Clipper pipeline, accusing them of "inequitable and inexcusable conduct." Enbridge is mired in a legal battle with oil sands producers that, led by Suncor Energy Inc., have sought to prevent Enbridge from raising its tolls to pay for the U.S. portion of its new Clipper line. Suncor has argued the pipeline is unnecessary, and Enbridge was imprudent to build it. Enbridge, however, says it was hustled into building it by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, which negotiates on behalf of industry. In a filing yesterday, Enbridge says not only did CAPP sign off on its purchase of pipe, but it made Enbridge agree to severe penalties if it could not bring Clipper into operation by July 1, 2010. ENB (TSX) fell 20 cents to $46.37.