California's historic deal on global warming
SACRAMENTO - California will become the first state in the country to require industries to lower greenhouse gas emissions under a deal struck Wednesday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democrats that could dramatically reshape the state's economy.
After weeks of intense negotiations between the administration and legislative leaders, and just a few hours after Schwarzenegger threatened to veto the bill, Democrats and the governor announced an agreement on legislation that sends the state on a markedly different environmental path from the federal government.
By 2020, when industries would have to lower carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by 25 percent, solar panels, alternative fuels and electric cars could be commonplace, according to advocates of the legislation.
The deal marks a major political victory for Schwarzenegger, who will use the first-of-its-kind legislation as a centerpiece of his re-election campaign. It was hailed by environmentalists, some business groups and lawmakers as a revolutionary step in the country's nascent efforts to combat global warming. Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, who is carrying the legislation, called Wednesday the "most important day of my legislative career."
"The fact is that if we do not do something to stop carbon emissions in this world, we are going to see a diminution of the quality of life and, eventually, all life," declared Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, at a celebratory press conference.
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State's historic deal on warming Governor, Dems agree to force cuts in California greenhouse gas emissions
