Alaska Governor to Head IOGCC

September 24, 2007, New Orleans, Louisiana – The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) announced today Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will serve as its 2007-2008 chairman. The announcement was made during IOGCC’s annual meeting in New Orleans.

Palin is the only chairman in the history of the IOGCC to have served as a past official representative to the organization. She also served as chairman of Alaska's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates Alaska's most valuable non-renewable resources: oil and gas.

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Palin, the 11th governor of Alaska and the first woman, took office on December 4, 2006. During her first legislative session, Governor Palin’s administration passed two major pieces of legislation – overhaul of the state’s ethics laws and a competitive process to construct a natural gas pipeline.

The gas pipeline would tap into Alaska’s vast gas resources, which would help provide the United States with a domestic clean and reliable source of energy.

Prior to her election as governor, Palin was elected to two terms on the Wasilla City Council, and then two terms as the mayor/manager of Alaska's fastest growing community. During her tenure, she reduced property tax levels while increasing services and made Wasilla a business friendly environment drawing in new industry.

Alaska has been a member of the IOGCC since 1957. Several Alaska governors have chaired the organization, including Governors Steve Cowper, Tony Knowles and Frank Murkowski.

The IOGCC, representing the governors of 30 member and seven associate states, promotes the conservation and efficient recovery of the nation’s oil and natural gas resources while protecting health, safety, and the environment. Established by the charter member states’ governors in 1935, it is the oldest, largest, and most effective interstate compact in the nation.

Governor Palin, who succeeds North Dakota Governor John Hoeven, will serve as IOGCC chairman for one year.

Source: Alaska Governor