Palin Around

The eco-rundown on Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, John McCain’s VP pick 7

In a surprise move this morning, John McCain chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Palin, a conservative Republican, was the ethics commissioner of the Alaska Gas and Oil Conservation Commission from 2003 to 2004 and has a reputation for integrity and fighting corruption. She has pushed to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling and to build a natural-gas pipeline from Alaska's North Slope, and earlier this year she sued the Interior Department over its decision to list the polar bear as a threatened species. Palin recently proposed eliminating Alaska's gas tax and got the state legislature to pass a bill to provide each Alaskan $1,200 to help with energy bills. She also recently opposed a statewide ballot initiative to prohibit or restrict new mining operations that could affect salmon in the state's streams and rivers, even though she's an avid angler and hunter herself. She has created a committee to forge Alaska's climate-change strategy, and has made Alaska an observer (but not a member) of the Western Climate Initiative. But that doesn't mean she has any sort of beef with Big Oil (in fact, her husband is an oil production operator for BP on Alaska's North Slope). She said earlier this week, "When I look every day, the big oil company's building is right out there next to me, and it's quite a reminder that we should have mutually beneficial relationships with the oil industry."

more in Gristmill:

see also, in Gristmill: The eco-rundown on Alaska guv Sarah Palin, John McCain’s veep pick

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  1. randino Posted 1:52 am
    29 Aug 2008

    More evidence that theGOP is the enemy of the human race. We have another person who is owned lock, stock and barrell by the oil and gas interests. We have another person who is continuing the GOP's war on environmentalism and the environment. We have another person who was raised in the rip and run ethic of the frontier.
    I don't know how anyone can continue to vote Republican and still say they are environmentalists. It does not pass the laugh test.
    Randy Cunningham

    Cleveland, OH

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  2. Alison Wiley Posted 4:07 am
    29 Aug 2008

    Governor Palin & Deja VuThis reminds me of eight years ago when another Republican running mate was named who was wedded to fossil fuel interests. That didn't work out too well. We can do better! My post on this topic: http://www.diamondcutlife.org/another-vp-candidate-wedded ...

    Alison in Portland, Oregon

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  3. mreinbold Posted 11:42 am
    31 Aug 2008

    Palin/McCainWhile listening to Err America radio, I heard Ron Reagan, Jr. (Non Reagan) call Palin a global warming "denier." I knew I liked this woman. Now I love her. What a great choice for VP. I am finally excited about the McCain campaign. Bring it on!

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  4. Oceanswell Posted 2:11 pm
    01 Sep 2008

    Change Global Warming ClimateI image a time when intelligent people will all agree that we have climate change, don't be an ass and continue to allow your head to stay in the sand. Pick yourself up, look around, read something outside of your political bent and see. Drop "global warming", realize "climate change". My life started in the 50's and I can tell you without any doubt that the weather in southern California is not the same as it was in my early years. Anyone who denies climate change is spewing from the depths of ignorance.

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  5. mreinbold Posted 12:01 am
    02 Sep 2008

    OceanswellYes, "climate change" covers all bases, no matter what happens. Perhaps you have forgotten the global cooling "crisis" of the 1970's. I have an MS degree in geology. We look at the really long term earth history. I can guess where your head is, and I don't want to go there. Politics? That is exactly what the whole global warming or climate change hype is about. Let me guess. You are a leftist. Tough call. Have a nice day and don't wring your hands too much.

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  6. SublightD Posted 4:04 pm
    06 Sep 2008

    I can label people too!Way to throw out the "leftist" comment. I mean, you call someone a leftist, you totally made your point, conversation over right? There's no more reason to have a discussion now.
    Way to label Ocean a crybaby too with the "hand wringing" comment. Do you have any real comments or just name calling? We are all really impressed with name calling. Its up there with profanity. Both those prove things...just not the point.

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  7. Lisa Payday Posted 1:55 pm
    02 Dec 2008

    Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon...Mind you, she was there for a light-hearted photo opportunity, which I'm sure is a welcome change of pace after that sprint to the finish with John McCain during the presidential race. But was she aware of what was going on nearby? Does will she be this aware of her surroundings when she supposedly picks up yoke and plows her way into the 2012 presidential election? She may save Joe Sixpack, but what will happen to Johnny Longneck? I'm guessing he'll need to get his hands on a fast cash advance for a thick metal collar. Click to read more on a Cash Advance.

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