Sarah Palin switches from oil to renewables

Sarah PalinSarah Palin is at it again. as controversial and confusing (or rather confused?) as ever.

She recently announced a target of 50% (yes, FIFTY PERCENT, meaning HALF) renewable energy by 2025 for the state of Alaska. Alaska Energy - A First Step Toward Energy Independence, identifies energy options for communities across the state. The plan calls for Alaskans, the Legislature, local and regional governments, the University of Alaska and the private sector to work together to ensure that by 2025 half of the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources.

The guide identifies and prioritises energy projects; puts into place legal and government structures needed to allow them to go forward; and identifies potential funding sources, according to a statement.

The move surely comes as a surprise to most people who remember that Sarah Palin has been an outspoken supporter of oil and natural gas exploration in Alaska, and has been previously quoted as doubting the causes of global warming as being man-made. As proof of her beliefs, in August 2008, Palin authorised a license to build and operate a pipeline to transport natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to the US, via Canada.

What is Sarah Palin really committed to? Is she now trying to jump on the bandwagon and support clean, green energy? Or is she trying to outbid Al GoreAl Gore and President Obama? Or is this part of her building her foreign relations experience, since she is still govenor of Alaska, the state located closest to Russia, a vast country with enough oil resources that they can supply a great portion of Europe's oil and gas needs (assuming the Ukraine doesn't close the taps)?

Whatever the case, Alaskans (also) deserve to receive a majority of their electricity from renewable sources, and we should all hope that this is not just a political gimic, but rather a serious goal. And we should all remember this act, and remind Palin (and other leaders) of their responsibility to follow through on this commitment!