Green Daily

Why would the denizens of the Last Frontier State want to reduce protections for the majestic white bear that's everybody's favorite global warming poster animal? The bear was listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act, and that means that it's entitled to protections, including habitat protection. Alaskan governor Sarah Palin contends that the "threatened" designation imposes an undue burden on the rugged northernmost state, because the bear lives in some areas which are possible oil-drilling sites. So she and her administration are suing the federal government to reverse their designation.

Setting aside the fact that we really should be looking for a wide range of solutions to our energy problems, beyond just drilling more oil (which is why I've been so happy to hear Obama talk about tuning up our tires), this move brings up my old question about Alaska's future in a post-oil world. It seems that the state has been running on resource extraction for years - maybe it's time for some more forward-thinking economic development. Polar bear tourism, anyone?