Gov. Palin states her opposition to cap & trade bill

Governor Sarah Palin announced today that she is opposed to the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, which is also known as the Waxman-Markey Cap and Trade bill. In a release by her office, the governor said:

"This bill does not offer enough flexibility to states to meet national standards and goals. 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."

Gov. Palin added that some of the language will likely result in stricter federal regulations that don't necessarily address any problems.

The measure, authored by U.S. Representatives Henry Waxman and Ed Markey, is referred to by some of its opponents as the "Cap and Tax" bill:

When the Heritage Foundation did its analysis of Waxman-Markey, it broadly compared the economy with and without the carbon tax. Under this more comprehensive scenario, it found Waxman-Markey would cost the economy $161 billion in 2020, which is $1,870 for a family of four. As the bill's restrictions kick in, that number rises to $6,800 for a family of four by 2035.

The bill was passed by the House of Representatives in a close vote Friday. A similar measure is under consideration in the U.S. Senate. Governor Palin's statement indicates that she will make the state's concerns about the legislation known to Alaska's congressional delegation.

- JP