Posted by
Ron Devito on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 4:11:12 PM
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced [on June 30, 2009] she does not
support a controversial piece of federal climate change legislation
that is making its way through Congress. The American Clean Energy and
Security Act of 2009 is authored by U.S. Representatives Henry Waxman
and Ed Markey (Climate Bill, 2009, ¶1).
Governor Palin is
concerned about the economic and environmental impacts the legislation
could have on Alaska. “This bill does not offer enough flexibility to
states to meet national standards and goals,” Governor Palin said.
“Flexibility is particularly important for Alaska. Our cold climate and
rural populations make it difficult for Alaskans to implement
technologies that work elsewhere. Again, this is a case of one size
doesn’t fit all” (Climate Bill, 2009, ¶2).
Multiple state
agencies are continuing to review the version of the legislation that
passed the U.S. House. Previous versions of the bill presented problems
in nearly every facet of industry, commerce, and everyday life for
Alaskans. State agencies found inadequacies in the areas of mitigation,
allocations, infrastructure, and adaptation (Climate Bill, 2009, ¶3).
The
[G]overnor also noted some of the broad policy statements in the bill
will likely lead to stricter regulations that don't necessarily solve
any problems (Climate Bill, 2009, ¶4).
Governor Palin intends to
work with Alaska's congressional delegation to address the state's
concerns (Climate Bill, 2009, ¶5).
Commentary
The
Obama administration is pushing legislation based on politically
motivated junk science that will accomplish nothing more than
increasing the costs of goods and services for all Americans. The
Wasman-Markey Bill is legislation that quite frankly should be sent to
the circular file.
One of the pinnacles of Governor Palin's
achievements is the Alaska Gasline Inducment Act or AGIA, which is a
complex $30-billion project to build a gas pipeline from the North
Slope to Alberta, Canada. Until Governor Palin came into office, this
pipeline was a pipe dream for 30 years. She is making it reality.
Bolstad,
2009 explains how another Alaskan, Drue Pearce is overseeing this
project's progress. Her article in the Anchorage Daily News is noted in
the reference list.
The Obama administration should draw some
lessons from the Palin-Parnell administration and invest its efforts in
real energy solutions that will benefit our nation, rather than
nonsensical laws based on scams like carbon credits, caps and trades,
or "feel good" measures.
References
Bolstad,
E. (2009, June 29). Alaskan oversees gas line coordination for Obama
administration. Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved June 30, 2009 from: http://www.adn.com/money/industries/oil/pipeline/story/846986.html
Governor opposes Waxman-Markey Bill. (2009, June 30). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved June 30, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1941