Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who last year revamped a long-proposed plan for an Alaska natural gas pipeline, on Monday was elected chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) for the coming year.

The IOGCC, which was established in 1935, represents the governors of 30 member and seven associate states and promotes the conservation and efficient recovery of U.S. oil and gas resources.

Palin, who took office last December, is the only chair in the history of the interstate compact to have served as a past official representative to the organization. Previously, she was chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry. She joins several former Alaska governors who previously chaired the IOGCC, including Steve Cowper, Tony Knowles and Frank Murkowski.

Through its Chairman’s Stewardship Awards the IOGCC also recognized five oil- and gas-related projects that it said “demonstrate superior environmental stewardship.”

BP America Production Co. received the “large company” award for its project “to challenge conventional wisdom in venting wells to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” In the “small company” category, Questar Exploration and Production was recognized for taking “a large step forward in ensuring the future of oil and gas development” with its liquids gathering gas system. The Cooperative Sagebrush Initiative was presented with the IOGCC’s environmental partnership award for its work “to enhance resources for conservation of habitats” across an 11-state sagebrush biome.

Two organizations were honored for their energy education efforts. The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce was recognized for its annual Barnett Shale Expo, which was designed to educate the public and stakeholders about how gas exploration could benefit the region. The Michigan Oil and Gas Producers Education Foundation also was honored for assisting Michigan Oil and Gas Association members to develop educational projects and programs.

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