Schwarzenegger contradicts Bush on Energy, Environment

When he ran for office, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger promised to be a different kind of Republican--breking away from traditional views of the party on energy and environment--and his message rings true.

On the eve of the Group of 8 summit in Scotland, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged the United States and other nations to combat global warming and vowed in an opinion piece in London's Independent newspaper to make California a leader in the effort.

Schwarzenegger never mentioned President Bush in the article, but his call for immediate action contrasts sharply with the administration's recommendation of only voluntary steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions on grounds that more aggressive efforts would hurt the American economy.


"The debate is over. We know the science. We see the threat posed by changes in our climate," Schwarzenegger wrote. "And we know the time for action is now.

"I ask citizens and governments everywhere to do their part by conserving energy, reducing the use of fossil fuels, reducing waste and taking every opportunity to work together for a cleaner, healthier tomorrow."