Legislature Set To Challenge Schwarzenegger On Global Warming

"With his plan to build new schools and roads stalled, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is turning his focus to combatting global warming -- a burgeoning political issue that aides and pollsters say could be election-year gold for a governor in need of a major accomplishment.

But as Schwarzenegger hopes this year to woo moderate Democrats and independents by touting his green credentials, Democratic lawmakers and environmentalists are preparing to force Schwarzenegger to back up his tough rhetoric on greenhouse gases by sending him first-of-its-kind legislation that goes further than anything the governor has so far called for.

The proposal, to enact stringent reductions in the amount of carbon dioxide and other gases that power plants, manufacturers and other industries emit into the air, will spotlight whether Schwarzenegger is truly committed to earning a position among California environmental trendsetters, activists say."

"'He's very sincere about this,' said Terry Tamminen, Schwarzenegger's top environmental adviser."