Dear Neighbors,
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal by the Minnesota Department of Commerce that was seeking to force the Minnesota Public Utilities (PUC) to reconsider their unanimous decision to grant the certificate of need for the Enbridge Line 3 replacement pipeline.
In their order, the Court said that the Department of Commerce had filed their original appeal too early, thus causing the dismissal.
As a strong supporter of the Line 3 replacement pipeline, I strongly urge Governor Walz and his administration to listen to the experts at the PUC and allow the project to move forward. The time for politically motivated delays is over.
The Line 3 pipeline is in desperate need of repair, I hope Governor Walz does the right thing and allows the project to move forward.
In addition to news on the Line 3 project, I recently submitted a letter to our local papers in support of the ethanol industry and its positive impact on improving agricultural communities in our state. The ethanol industry helps boost the economy of small communities and helps our hardworking farmers provide for their families.
Over the past five years, farm income has fallen by 46 percent. One thing that all Americans can do to help our farmers is to use a biofuel that we make and sell right here at home, E15. E15 is a 15 percent ethanol blend and is made from farm crops like corn.
I encourage you all to purchase E15 if your car is able to run it.
Finally, Paul Bunyan’s Axe visited the capitol this week. The axe is given to the winner of the yearly Wisconsin vs. Minnesota college football game. I was lucky enough to get my picture with the axe as Minnesota won this year’s matchup for the first time in 14 years.
That’s all for this week’s update. I will have more for you as the session progresses as it’s sure to be a busy year. In the meantime, I urge you to contact me if you have any legislative questions, concerns, or ideas. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-5356 or via email at rep.john.poston@house.mn.
Have a good weekend,
John