Palin successor says natural gas pipeline is 'top priority'

Following the sudden resignation of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin last week, many have been speculating about the future of the natural gas pipeline project she introduced.

Her successor, Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell, cleared up any doubts with by announcing this week that the North Slope pipeline will be his "top priority" when he takes office on July 26.

Palin was known for the Alaska Gasline Initiative Act, passed shortly after she assumed office in what she called "a massive bi-partisan victory."

"Protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project," she said. "This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. This is energy independence."

Palin was also known for her adversarial approach with big oil executives, the legacy of which is being questioned with Parnell, Reuters reported.

The news service reported that the new Republican governor may be too easy on oil executives, considering his former work as an oil-industry attorney.

Meanwhile, crude oil levels fell to their lowest in almost six weeks, declining by 4 percent.