Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Gov. Palin: Eliminate All Energy Subsidies

"Bottom line, we can't afford it."
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In response to a reporter's question, Sarah Palin stated Tuesday that she is in favor of eliminating all energy subsidies, not just federal support of ethanol, a key issue for Iowa and other farm states of the American Midwest, especially when viewed in the context of the approaching presidential primaries. Scott Conroy has the story at RealClearPolitics:
"I think that all of our energy subsidies need to be re-looked at today and eliminated," Palin told RCP during a quick stop at a coffee shop in this picturesque town tucked into the south-central Pennsylvania countryside. "And we need to make sure that we're investing and allowing our businesses to invest in reliable energy products right now that aren't going to necessitate subsidies because, bottom line, we can't afford it."
The Palin position goes one step further than that of former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty who has spoken out against federal ethanol subsidies and the polar opposite of the position taken by former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney, who said last week that he supports ethanol subsidies:
But Palin differs, saying, "We've got to allow the free market to dictate what's most efficient and economical for our nation's economy. No, at this time, our country can't afford the subsidies. Before, though, we even start arguing about some of these domestic subsidies that need to be eliminated -- should be -- we need to look at ending subsidies and loans to foreign countries and their energy production that we're relying on, like Brazil."

[More]
If Gov. Palin runs for president, energy matters will likely be her signature issues. she would be able to campaign on her record as governor of Alaska, where she restructured oil taxes and initiated a major natural gas pipeline project.

- JP

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