Between red and blue...is green
(AFP) California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared war on global warming by imposing bold new greenhouse gas targets emissions on the most populous US state.The former action star used the UN World Environment Day conference, attended by mayors from the world's most populous cities, to announce the plan that comes despite Washington's refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on the environment. ...
"California will continue to be a leader in the fight against global warming and protecting our environment," the movie tough guy told the conference where he stole the show and received a standing ovation.
"Today I am establishing clear and ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our state to protect our many natural resources, public health, agriculture and diverse landscape.
"By working together we can meet the needs of both our economy and environment," added the Republican politician who came to power after a special election in October 2003.
The move to slash greenhouse gas emissions in environmentally-conscious California comes after his fellow Republican, President George W. Bush, refused to put the Kyoto Protocol to Congress for ratification.
The Governor is taking the initiative, and grabbing the spotlight in a way that's positive for a change. And I have to say that it seems like his heart is in the right place -- granted, he needs political cover right now, and the appearance that's he's picking a fight with the leader of his own party (and for all the world looking like the "Third Way" Republican revolutionary touted by so many) certainly can't hurt.
But that's politics, right? We can hardly complain when someone does the right thing for any reason, even if it's calculated.
Not that I'm about to let him off with a free pass.
The plan sets out emissions targets but is vague about enforcement mechanisms (insert "hot air" joke here) — one could certainly make and defend the criticism that the only real impact the policy will make is that it will give Arnold a chance to talk about a popular issue, seem to be bravely opposing the Powers That Be in the GOP, and come off smelling like a rose.
Furthermore, while I have to give credit for the Governor thinking globally, I have to remind him that the first step must be acting locally. Like in your own garage.
Posted: Mon - June 6, 2005 at 08:59 AM | Category: | | | |
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Published On: Jul 23, 2006 02:49 PM
