As we first reported in September 2008, back in 2005 Sempra Energy helped enlist the backing of then-ex Wasilla, Alaska mayor Sarah Palin regarding a scheme to build a liquified natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Valdez for shipment to Sempra's then-under construction LNG terminal near Rosarito in Baja California.

"Palin, then ex-mayor of the small town of Wasilla...was recruited by the Sempra backers for their TV, radio, and newspaper ads — paid for by Sempra — promoting the project as the “all-Alaska gas pipeline.”

Here's the link: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2008/sep/10/breaking-news-2/

In 2008, Sempra wouldn't give us any information about the connection, but with today's release of Palin's e-mails from that period, more details are emerging about her subsequent involvement with utility giant in March 2007

Thanks to the New York Times for posting the Palin emails so quickly:

"Byers, Gail (LAW) From: Joe Balash Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 8:48 AM To: 'Sarah Palin' Cc: Mason; Janice Spencer: Kari Tibbles; Michael A 'Martha Fischbach' Sub|ect: I know it's late

"Here's the Sempra briefing memo:"

"MEMORANDUM STATE OF ALASKA Office of the Govemor TO: Governor Sarah Palin DATE: 3/ 22/ 07 FROM: Balash TELEPHONE: 907-465-4022 SUBJECT: Briefing paper regarding Sempra meeting 3/22/07"

"Based in San Diego, Sempra Energy is a Fortune 500 energy services company with 2006 revenues of nearly $12 billion. Sempra Energy serves the largest customer base of any energy utility in the United States. With 14,000 employees worldwide, the Sempra Energy companies develop energy infrastructure, operate utilities, and provide related products and services to more than 29 million consnuners in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America and Asia.

"Sempra LNG is one of the companies held by Sempra Energy and leads efforts to develop, build and operate liquefied natural gas receipt terminals. At this time, Sempra LNG is developing three terminals to serve North American markets: Cameron LNG in Louisiana, Port Arthur LNG in Texas, and Energia Costa Azul in Mexico.

"In early 2005, Sempra Energy entered into a development arrangement with the Alaska Gasline Port Authority whereby Sempra provided a significant infusion of cash to AGPA.

"The value of that agreement was estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but short of one million. AGPA spent heavily on advertising and lobbying, but it is unclear to me how much was spent on development activities (planning, economists, attorneys, etc.). Sempra was seeking a supply for its Mexico LNG receiving terminal and expressed profound interest in Alaska gas.

"Following the Murkowski brush-off later that sununer, Sempra allowed its arrangement with AGPA to lapse and soon thereafter announced a supply arrangement with BP.

"Today's meeting will include the president and chief operating officer of Sempra Energy, Neal Schmale. He is responsible for implementing the company's growth strategy for overall management of the Sempra Energy companies. He has been a member of the board of directors since 2005 and previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Before his career at Sempra, he spent 29 years at UNOCAL, serving in a range of jobs that culminated in the position of chief financial officer.

"Also attending will be the president and chief executive officer of Sempra LNG, Darcel Hulse. Mr. Hulse also spent his career at UNOCAL prior to joining Sempra. He served in a variety of positions, including engineering, construction, and business development."

http://projects.nytimes.com/palin-emails/date/2007-03-22#search/p13/Sempra