Newsom and Schwarzenegger Celebrate California's Climate Laws Amidst Criticisms

California's current and former governors, Gavin Newsom and Arnold Schwarzenegger, came together on Wednesday to laud the state's comprehensive climate laws, marking the 20th anniversary of the California Global Warming Solutions Act. The event, held as part of the 2026 California Economic Summit in Long Beach from October 13-15, featured a "fireside chat" where both leaders reflected on the act Schwarzenegger signed into law in 2006.

The 2006 legislation mandated that California reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The state reports achieving this 30% reduction ahead of schedule through measures including mandatory emissions caps for major industrial sources, reporting requirements, and a statewide cap-and-trade program.

Schwarzenegger recounted the challenges in enacting the law, noting opposition from the Bush administration. "The federal government fought us, and every step of the way, and we went to court," he said, emphasizing a commitment to representing the people over party affiliation. He also acknowledged Republican President Richard Nixon's role in establishing environmental protections, citing the creation of the EPA and the signing of the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act.

Newsom echoed sentiments of California taking the lead on environmental issues, particularly in the absence of federal action. He criticized the Trump administration's approach to environmental regulations, referring to it as "vandalism" against efforts to combat climate change. Newsom highlighted California's advancements in renewable energy production and consumption, job creation, and innovation within the green sector, asserting that the state "has no peers" in its environmental protections.

The state's environmental regulations have faced scrutiny and legal challenges. Critics argue that the cap-and-trade system grants excessive power to regulators and allows large corporations to pollute while disproportionately affecting smaller businesses. Former President Trump's administration had previously challenged California's authority to set stricter vehicle emission standards than federal ones, leading to legal battles that California ultimately prevailed in. The Global Warming Solutions Act, despite facing its own legal and legislative opposition, remains in effect.

Schwarzenegger, known for his generally non-partisan approach to endorsements, has recently broken with tradition by endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. He notably declined to endorse candidates in the 2016 and 2020 presidential races and has not yet endorsed a candidate in the current California gubernatorial or Los Angeles mayoral races. However, he recently hosted a meeting for Democratic socialist Nithya Raman.