Palin on the Environment: Far Right

Some would say Senator McCain, in recent years, has shifted some of his stances on political policy further to the right, to align with Bush Republicans. Yet, on further inspection one might find his views on environmental issues relatively progressive.

It is quite perplexing then why McCain would select a vice president who is such a staunch supporter of drilling in ANWR. A recent TIME article highlights Sarah Palin's stance on environmental issues, especially her record as Alaska's Governor. Palin's perspectives on oil exploration, protection of native species, and climate change are interesting in that they stand in stark contrast to McCain's. It will be interesting to see how the two reconcile their differences of opinion on these subjects as the election draws nearer and televised debates begin in earnest.

Monday, Sep. 01, 2008
Palin on the Environment: Far Right
By Bryan Walsh

Senator John McCain's reputation as a maverick has taken a beating this campaign season, but on environmental issues he's still zigging when much of the Republican Party zags. While some GOP leaders remain unconvinced that man-made global warming is real, and more doubt that federal cap and trade legislation is necessary to combat it, McCain talks about climate change at every campaign stop and says he supports carbon caps. Though McCain has flip-flopped on offshore drilling for petroleum — he's now a vigorous supporter — he's still against opening up the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for energy exploration, even though many in the GOP, including President George W. Bush, are for it. Those in favor of drilling in ANWR can now add another prominent supporter to their list: Alaska governor and vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

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