Earth Equity News

Schwarzenegger to Veto Renewable Energy Bills. By Juliet Williams, AP, September 12, 2009. "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office said Saturday that he would veto legislation requiring a third of California's energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, choosing instead to mandate the change through an executive order. The Democratic bills that passed the state Legislature just before the end of the legislative session Friday would have set up the most aggressive renewable energy standards in the nation. But they also sought to limit the amount of energy from sources such as wind, solar and geothermal that could come from out-of-state. Schwarzenegger and some energy producers said the legislation would set up too many regulatory hurdles... The governor's office didn't immediately explain how Schwarzenegger would implement the goals of the legislation through the executive order. Supporters worry that it would not have the same strength of law as the bills would have. The Independent Energy Producers, which represents companies that provide 80% of California's renewable energy, opposed the legislation, despite having sought a higher standard."