The AP overstated the extent of the climate agreement announced today between British PM Tony Blair and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (and thus Daily Grist overstated it too). Now that the deal's been officially unveiled, a few clarifications:
The two didn't agree to launch a new trans-Atlantic carbon-trading market, though they will look into the possibility. Rather, they said the U.K. and California would cooperate on research into cleaner fuels and technologies. Writes the San Francisco Chronicle, "aspects of the agreement include jointly studying the economic impacts of global climate change, collaborating on technology research -- including studying the effects of California's effort to create a 'hydrogen highway' touted by Schwarzenegger -- and establishing regular exchanges between scientists in both places." Not so bold, but a nice symbolic gesture at least.
Arnold used the occasion to distance himself from Bush:
The message is that we do not wait for the federal government to act. ... We see there is not great leadership by the federal government when it comes to protecting the environment. So that is why as a state, we will move forward because we know it is the right thing to do. It's like stem-cell research. There are many issues like that where I feel that California should lead the way. The White House is not for it. But we are for it. The people of California are for it.
Clearly he hopes this will help him in efforts to out-green his gubernatorial challenger, Democrat Phil Angelides.
(You think I'm joking about the kissypoo? Check out this photo of the two canoodling.)
City preps and countries posture ahead of Copenhagen talks
Comments
View as Flat
coveark Posted 2:16 am
01 Aug 2006
We need people who will stand up and take up the reins of leadership in this most important battle of humanity.
Yay for Arnold for standing up .
This is not about politics, religion, tenure, or any other thing that is totally trivial in the Big Picture.
Humanity has dominion over the earth.........If we are too stupid to take care of it...........it will be gone and so will our children or other decendendants down the line.
Our country, if it got it together, could become the 'good guys' again. The People that we used to think we were and lead and/or simply participate wholely in the saving of our home.........planet earth. Our pride, health and economy could certainly benefit from this approach.
Many are doubtful, many are greedy, many are lazy..........well give it up !!!
Good for Arnold!!!
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DeSmog Sarah Posted 6:32 am
01 Aug 2006
Good thing their priorities are in order.
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Matt Painter Posted 12:13 am
02 Aug 2006
Don't let polluters get the last word. Sign up for SNAP at http://www.newenergychoices.org!
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