Sarah Palin becomes only governor to turn down federal stimulus money for energy efficiency

[RamboLiberal]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday became the only governor to turn down federal stimulus money for energy efficiency, a move that legislators called "disappointing" for a state with some of the country's highest energy costs.

In announcing the veto of $28.6 million in funds, Palin said she wouldn't accept money tied to adoption of building codes by local governments.

"Alaskans and our communities have a long history of independence and opposing many mandates from Washington, D.C.," Palin said in a statement announcing the veto.

Palin had earlier accepted about $900 million in other federal stimulus funds.

State budget director Karen Rehfeld said the Republican governor was concerned that in accepting the money, she would be required to promote the adoption of local building codes. To qualify for the federal money, 90 percent of new and renovated structures in the state would have to be constructed under energy efficiency standards between 2009 and 2017.

"The governor believes these are decisions best left to local governments," Rehfeld said.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/05/22/2009-05-22_palin_become_only_governor_to_turn_down_stimulus_money_for_energy.html#ixzz0GH4twoLr&B

[belpejic]

1. Breaking news!

Sarah Palin is every bit as dumb as we thought she was. Don't let us down, Sarah, and actually do something intelligent or wise.

[jwirr]

2. Wonder if the oil companies is Alaska are forking out to cover this

mess so she can be their candidate 2012?

[hobbit709]

3. Stupid is as stupid does.

[Xipe Totec]

4. She doesn't need it; she's got all those GOP clothes to keep her warm n/t

[Tempest]

5. Here is what is so funny about her rejecting the funds

She made a campaign promise to get Alaska to get 25% of it's energy from renewable sources and lessen the reliance on oil.

The stimulus money she rejected would have helped Alaska achieve that goal.

She's getting blasted from both sides of the aisle for rejecting the money. I can't wait for the next set of polls from Alaska on her approval rating. I'm betting it drops to under 50%.

[Cha]

9. So why is she doing it? So

she can have a lying talking point in the 2012 Presidential primary?

[shellgame26]

13. Ding ding ding ding

[Ikonoklast]

6. Nice to see she is still dumber than a box of hammers.

Just one more reason for Alaskans to give the grifters the gate.

[Kerrytravelers]

7. Just in case anyone has forgotten, Sarah is always here to remind us just how stupid she is.

[Fire1]

8. Pass some of that money to Michigan for green jobs.

[TheCowsCameHome]

10. Just as well - she'd use it to buy herself fur coats.

[mgcgulfcoast]

11. i dont care for her at all

[lunatica]

12. Ya betcha... there... also....