Political Grapevine: 6/8

" And now some fresh pickings from the political grapevine Alaska governor Sarah -- is batting a thousand against ethics charges. The Washington times reports the former Republican vice presidential nominee. Has fought off all fourteen complaints since being put on the ticket. The latest game from Anchorage resident who said Palin abused her position for financial gain. -- wearing a jacket in public that was manufactured. By the snowmobile company that sponsors her husband. A complaint was dismissed last week governor appellant had called the charge quote asinine political grandstanding. -- what public transportation may not be as environmentally friendly as you think. Two University of California environmental engineers. -- seat occupancy and the underlying carbon cost -- fuel our understanding of -- nation's basic pollution. That comes from building infrastructure and supporting mass transit is rarely factored into emissions reports. They maintain that in some circumstances. It is better to drive into a city in an SUV. Rather than take the train. That's because a car that is fully occupied may be responsible for last greenhouse gas per mile traveled per person. Than a train that is only a quarter full. The study also points out that some so called energy efficient trains actually use large amounts of dirty fossil fuels. Other trains that are considered less energy efficient. Are powered by higher percentages. Of clean energy. And there is more backlash against the buy American provision in president Obama's stimulus package. -- as many years have passed a non binding resolution. Barring American bidders from city contracts similar rules have already been adopted by some city council's. Supporters say they hope the moves will strengthen prime minister Stephen Harper's case as he lobbies against the buy American provision. Quote the US protectionist policy is hurting Canadian firms costing Canadian jobs and damaging Canadian efforts to grow our economy in the midst of a world -- Wide recession. More than 70% of Canada's exports go to the US."