Parnell warns of too much federal control

Gov. Sean Parnell says Alaskans need to push for a stronger state role in their economic and political future to avoid too much federal control.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner said the governor’s remarks Jan. 6 to a Rotary club in Fairbanks were similar to comments in recent interviews with top state attorneys. Parnell suggested a handful of state-federal disagreements over resource development and environmental protection are central to the state’s long-term ability to self-govern.

Parnell also acknowledged drawing some criticism for having gone to court with a number of challenges to federal regulatory decisions. But he said he follows that path only when other means are exhausted.

—The Associated Press