Pipeline still Alaskan priority

JUNEAU, Alaska, July 7 (UPI) -- The construction of a natural gas pipeline in Alaska remains a state priority despite the turmoil from the resignation of Gov. Sarah Palin, her lieutenant says.

Palin abruptly announced her resignation Friday, citing a mixed political reputation earned during her tenure as the running mate for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., during the 2008 U.S. presidential contest.

Palin touted as one of her major accomplishments efforts to move ahead with a natural gas pipeline in Alaska, and Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, her replacement, pledged to continue that work when he assumes office July 26.

"I will continue the course set by the governor that has produced such forward progress these past two years," he said. "I will continue to support and promote responsible resource development and energy development of all kinds for Alaskans."

The Republican governor declared the passage of the Alaska Gasline Initiative Act, an investment measure passed soon after she took office in 2006, as a "massive" victory for her state, PennEnergy, a news service funded by PennWell Petroleum Group, reports.

Her main critics, Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Democratic Sen. Mark Begich, said they were disappointed by the Palin decision, saying the boisterous governor had effectively abandoned her state.