Schwarzenegger Kills His What's Left of His "Legacy" with Solar Bill Veto

State Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg will be joined by solar energy companies, environmental leaders, labor, and utility representatives today to assail Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's threatened veto of landmark legislation that would have made California the world's leader in solar energy development.

Instead, Schwarzenegger is expected to issue an Executive Order that will do little to create solar jobs in California, and is likely to be challenged immediately in the courts. Schwarzenegger will put the burden on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to push for more solar development. But that agency, which already has its hands full with implementation of AB32 greenhouse gas regulations, will be given no additional resources to do so.

In other words, the Executive Order, like most of Arnold's actions, is just another publicity stunt.

It's too bad, for several reasons.

First, this legislation received broad input from a broad spectrum of players that want to see the development of solar energy accelerated in the Golden State. It's not every day that you see the Union of Concerned Scientists holding hands with PG&E and LA DWP, along with labor and solar energy companies. While the Schwarzenegger Administration dismissed the bill as "complex," it's because it went a long way to ensuring that solar development actually happens.

Secondly, this was a rare bright light of accomplishment in the legislative session. Sure, there was some jockeying between the Senate and Assembly. And, of course, the crazy right wing Republicans objected. But this sausage-making actually produced an excellent piece of legislation.

Lastly, this is yet another example of Schwarzenegger's inability to govern. Of course, the Governor himself was nowhere to be found in the final negotiations. But his aides were, and apparently bought off on the final compromise. It's another double-cross from the horseshoe, leaving legislators once again frustrated with the dealings of this adminstration. And leaving Schwarzenegger with yet another unchecked box in havign a lasting "legacy."

Image courtesy Solar Ray.

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