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Friends,
On Monday, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) voted three times in favor of moving forward on construction of the Line 3 replacement project. The PUC voted to approve the Final Environmental Impact Statement as adequate, they voted favorably on the Certificate of Need, and they voted to approve the Route Permit along the preferred route.
I want to thank the PUC for having the courage to affirm their decisions and approve the route for Line 3.
Along with being the most environmentally friendly way to transport oil to market, the Line 3 project will bring thousands of jobs and millions in economic activity to our area of the state.
Line 3 has been exhaustively studied and it's time to get it done. My colleagues and I in the legislature will continue to watch closely to make sure no other frivolous roadblocks are put in front of this important project."
All three votes were 3-1 and reaffirmed the votes the PUC had taken before recent law suits by opponents.
REAL ID Deadline Approaching
The deadline to comply with new federal ID standards arrives on October 1st and people are encouraged to sign up now and beat the rush that is likely to occur later this year.
Starting October 1, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities.
Reports show fewer than 10 percent of Minnesotans currently are compliant with the new federal ID standards and it is still taking several weeks for the state to turn around applications. As we get closer to that deadline, this turnaround delay may get worse before it gets better.
The biggest impact for most people probably centers on air travel, where Minnesota’s current standard ID/driver’s license will no longer suffice in boarding commercial, domestic flights. It is important to note passports and passport cards still will qualify you to board if you prefer that method or if you find yourself unable to obtain a REAL ID by October 1.
It may be helpful to know there are additional documents needed to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or enhanced driver’s License or state ID card. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has information detailing the requirements and documents needed. DPS also has a pre-application online page to help speed up the process for processing an application for the REAL ID.
The legislation which allowed issuing REAL ID does not force anyone to participate in REAL ID, so people continue to be free to use their existing standard state ID if they choose. However, if that option is used those who decide to take that path should know their state ID will not suffice at the boarding gate.
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