As California Goes...
When I ran for Governor, many people told me I would have to choose between rebuilding the state's depressed economy and protecting the environment. They were wrong. As Governor, I have seen firsthand remarkable opportunities to protect and empower both.
California's proud tradition of environmental stewardship calls to mind an old saying about our state, "As California goes, so goes the nation." And we have led the nation by creating an environmental policy that encourages public-private partnerships, rewards modernization, attracts investment, creates jobs, eliminates duplication and ensures accountability. All of this stimulates our economy.
Sustainable and renewable energy strategies represent new technology that fuses environmental concerns with economic growth. I have a plan for California that integrates forward-thinking environmental technology to map out both short-term and long-term solutions.
Renewable energy sources are a key to our long-term success. Recently, I launched California onto the Hydrogen Highway, so that by 2010 all Californians will have access to clean hydrogen fuel and cars. There are already more than 300 businesses working on hydrogen technology in the state, creating high-quality, sustainable jobs for the future, and we must continue to invest in the most fuel-efficient vehicles. In addition, I have made a promise to implement the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard seven years ahead of schedule and to obtain a third of California's energy from renewable energy sources by 2020. My Administration is also examining ways to make natural gas supplies more reliable with renewable sources such as landfill gas and biomass conversion.
Despite achievements in reducing overall pollution levels in our state, our dependence on polluting energy sources continues to be a hazard to public health. Air monitoring shows that more than 90 percent of Californians breathe unhealthy levels of at least one air pollutant during some part of the year. This poor air quality contributes to numerous health problems for our citizens. I have taken an aggressive step toward reducing air pollution through the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program. The Moyer Program dedicates $160 million annually to help owners of old, high-polluting diesel vehicles and equipment upgrade to those powered by compressed natural gas, electricity or clean-running diesel. This incentive-based program works to improve air quality while lowering overall consumer costs for smog check requirements.
In the short term, the "Green Bank" program will offer an immediate strategy to maximize the resources we have. Green Bank makes loans to commercial and multi-family structures to retrofit for energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling.
California is also encouraging a "utility loading order," the process by which utilities acquire power, where energy conservation and demand response top the list. We are also providing incentives to use alternative energies whenever possible. Utilities must maximize cost-effective conservation and efficiency measures before they contract for central station power plants.
Our renewable energy projects also provide greater energy security and stimulate visionary businesses-converting farm waste and urban greenwaste to energy, for instance. We also intend to lead the nation in production of solar power with creative programs to add more photovoltaics to our homes and state buildings. Solar power in California is already a billion dollar industry, and in the future it will create many times that in revenues and good jobs.
More than 1 million Californians are currently employed in our $75 billion tourism industry, and our magnificent coastline is a powerful draw for visitors and tourists. In May, the California Ocean Summit featured testimony from experts in industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations to address coastal pollution and ocean protection.
The forum, and the upcoming Oceans Action Plan, are important steps in mobilizing California's scientific edge and initiating public-private partnerships to reinforce our commitment to protecting our tremendous coastline and valuable oceanic resources.
We cannot merely talk about the environment and the economy, we must take action. The secret of environmental protection is in the unique power we all have as partners in the movement. By tapping into our state's technological enterprise and our proud conservation traditions, we unearth answers and opportunities to solve environmental problems and create sustainable jobs for future generations. In California, we no longer view our economy and our environment as separated by a chasm, but rather bridged with opportunity that will help California lead the nation once more.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
In his first year running the world’s fifth largest economy Governor Schwarzenegger has had a chance to put his mark on the legislative and regulatory environment in California. Here’s Waterkeeper Alliance’s take on how the Schwarzenegger administration has done so far:
Supported California Air Resources Board’s new global warming rule – called the “world’s toughest smog rule.” (Waterkeeper Thumbs Up)
Vetoed bill that requiring the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
to address air pollution – two of the largest sources of smog in
Los Angeles. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Down)
Signed Pesticide Drift Exposure Response Act to ensure that people who are exposed to pesticides receive medical treatment. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Up)
Opposed advancing a deadline for achieving 20 percent renewable electricity by 2010 – a position he supported in his own
environmental action plan. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Down)
Signed legislation banning the discharge of sewage from cruise ships within three miles of state’s coastline. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Up)
Signed California Ocean Protection Act to stop bad fishing practices, pollution and habitat destruction, and create new marine
management approaches. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Up)
Endorsed repeal of California’s Unfair Competition law, a law
that allows citizens to brings suits to stop pollution and protect
public safety. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Down)
Signed legislation creating the 25 million acre Sierra Nevada Conservancy – protecting plants, wildlife, and drinking water supplies. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Up)
Shut down expansion of California's state parks by halting
purchases of scenic beaches, forests and historic sites – even
when paid for with private donations. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Down)
Signed bill requiring state and federal officials to ensure that water quality standards are met before allowing increases in water pumped from Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Up)
Created the California Performance Review, a panel of industry
and their lobbyists charged with recommending changes to make government “more efficient.” Now the Governor must resist
pressure from lobbyists and trade organizations to weaken local control and protection of natural resources. (Waterkeeper Thumbs Up and Down)
