Governor Schwarzenegger Champions Clean Energy for California at National Hydrogen Conference

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today addressed the National Hydrogen Association’s 17th annual conference, discussing his administration’s commitment to protect California’s environment and encourage the use of clean energy sources such as hydrogen.

"California is investing millions of dollars to line our freeways with hydrogen fueling stations so that low emission cars can travel up and down our wonderful state," said Governor Schwarzenegger, who addressed the assembly of nearly 1,000 participants in Long Beach in a video-taped address from the State Capitol. "With more and more businesses proving that hydrogen power is practical, clean and here to stay, we are well on our way to a hydrogen future. California is committed to clean air and the health and economic benefits that go along with it."

Developing a robust infrastructure to support the wide use of hydrogen power and clean energy in California has been a top priority for Governor Schwarzenegger.

In April, 2004, the Governor signed an executive order creating a public and private partnership to build the Hydrogen Highway in California by 2010. The goal of the initiative is to rapidly modernize California’s transportation infrastructure and economy to support the use of hydrogen energy.

The Governor opened California’s first retail hydrogen fueling station in October, 2004, located at Los Angeles International Airport. Currently, there are several retail hydrogen-fueling stations in the state, including one opening today in Oakland. Eventually, a network of 150 to 200 hydrogen-fueling stations throughout the State (approximately one station every 20 miles on the State’s major highways) would make hydrogen fuel available to the vast majority of Californians.

Facing California’s population growth, Governor Schwarzenegger has made bold strides with his agenda to protect California’s environment and resources. He has set ground breaking goals in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, made a priority of taking high-polluting cars and buses off California highways and has taken action to protect the state’s coastlines and preserve open space.

Among his environmental achievements, Governor Schwarzenegger:

Signed an executive order setting unprecedented goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to year 2000 levels in the next five years and to 1990 levels in 15 years.

Implemented regulations toughening new car standards to reduce emissions by 30 percent in the next 10 years.

Invested more than $140 million in the Carl Moyer Program to clean up dirty trucks, buses, and agricultural equipment, which will reduce smog-forming oxides of nitrogen emissions by approximately 7,000 tons annually, equivalent to taking more than 700,000 cars off the road.

Created the Green Building Initiative setting goals to reduce electricity use and create more energy efficient public and private structures throughout the state.

Called on utilities to acquire 20 percent of the power used within the state from renewable sources by 2010 (seven years ahead of what the law requires), and use 33 percent renewable power by 2020.

Created the Million Solar Roofs Initiative to have 1 million solar roofs on residential and commercial buildings by 2018.

Signed legislation prohibiting cargo and cruise ships from dumping polluted water, sewage and trash into the ocean off California’s coast.

Created the Ocean Action Plan to effectively manage and protect California’s ocean and coastal resources.

Worked with California’s congressional delegation to promote federal policies to protect the coastline by opposing any changes to the moratorium on offshore oil drilling.

Established the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to place 25 million acres under conservation management in a region that produces 65 percent of the state’s water supply and half of all timber.

Launched the Breathe Easier public awareness campaign to help educate Californians about the negative effects of vehicle pollution and encourage participation in the state’s vehicle retirement program for gross polluters.