The announcement confirms the initial announcement made by the DHS in the proposed rules for the implementation of the WHTI, which were initially released on June 20, 2007.

Because driver's licenses are issued by state and provincial authorities, the cooperation of provincial and state governments will be required to implement the new licenses. While no date has been set by the Government of British Columbia for the issuance of EDLs, it is expected that B.C. will be the first province in Canada to implement, likely in the first half of 2008. The Washington State Department of Licensing has indicated that it will be the first U.S. jurisdiction to implement, beginning January 1, 2008. A number of other states are presently reviewing the technology and intend to implement later in 2008, including Oregon, California, and Texas - all key travel markets for British Columbia.

COTA has long supported the development of affordable and efficient alternatives to the passport for border crossings, and we applaud the efforts of all government agencies and stakeholders involved in bringing about this most recent change.

The final rules for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative are expected to be published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in December 2007. Stay tuned to the COTA website for more details.