Palin says energy steps still needed despite oil dip

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, seeking to underscore her expertise on energy issues, said on Wednesday a drop in oil prices should not dissuade the United States from taking steps for greater energy independence.

"Though this sudden drop in prices sure makes a difference for families across America, the dangers of our dependence on foreign oil are just as they were before," Palin said in remarks prepared for delivery in Toledo, Ohio.

Palin considers herself an expert on energy issues as governor of Alaska, which is rich in oil and natural gas, and her speech was an attempt to reflect the knowledge she has gained on the subject at a time when Democrats want to portray her as too inexperienced to be a heartbeat away from the presidency.

A drop in the price of oil below $70 a barrel has been a boon to hard-hit American consumers who are now paying less for a gallon of gasoline than they were last summer.

Palin and Republican presidential nominee John McCain argue that the United States must open more offshore territory to drilling as well as develop alternative resources such as nuclear, wind and solar.

Democrat Barack Obama has said he would be open to more drilling, but puts a higher priority on developing alternative energy sources.

"In Washington, we can view this period of lower oil prices as just one more chance to make excuses -- and on the problem of energy security, we've heard enough excuses. Or we can view it as an opportunity to finally confront the problem," Palin said.

Palin also pledged that a McCain-Palin administration would commit $2 billion a year to develop clean-coal technology in order to make use of America's vast amounts of coal without adding to pollution problems.

(Editing by David Wiessler)