Newsom and Schwarzenegger celebrate California climate legislation

Governor Gavin Newsom and former Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared together at the 2026 California Economic Summit in Long Beach to mark the 20th anniversary of the California Global Warming Solutions Act. The 2006 legislation, signed by Schwarzenegger, mandated a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

State officials reported that California met this target ahead of schedule through mandatory emissions caps, industrial reporting, and a statewide cap-and-trade program. Schwarzenegger noted the political challenges he faced while pushing the law through against opposition from the Bush administration, emphasizing that bipartisan cooperation is essential for representing the people.

Newsom highlighted the state's role in environmental leadership, particularly in the absence of federal action. He noted that the transition to clean energy is a critical national security issue, especially as competition with China increases in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.