Arnold Schwarzenegger, aka the Terminator, but more recently known as the Governator; has a reputation of being a very "green" governor.
Since he took the reins of California, Schwarzenegger has introduced many initiatives related to the environment and climate change that have acted as models for the rest of the world.
However, Governor Schwarzenegger will later today veto a bill that calls for 33 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar power by 2020. This development has caused some confusion for clean energy supporters not familiar with California politics.
Arnie is also known to be passionate about renewables; so what’s the story? According to a spokesman for Schwarzenegger:
"The poorly drafted, overly complex bills passed by the legislature are protectionist schemes that will kill the solar industry in California and drive prices up like the failed energy deregulation of the late 1990s."
Independent Energy Producers (IEP), which represents California`s renewable energy providers, has applauded Governor Schwarzenegger’s stance, saying the bill would have made it more difficult to build new renewable power plants in California, while also limiting the use of green power from neighbouring renewable producers.
While vetoing the bill in its current form, Schwarzenegger will instead sign an executive order today an order to establish what is touted as being the most vigorous renewable energy policy in the USA; also calling for 33% renewable energy by 2020, but without the legislative restrictions to hamper California achieving the goal.
