From The Guardian UK
By Matt Weaver

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Republican governor of California, today made a clear break with the White House when he announced an agreement for a state-wide cap on greenhouse gas emissions. Mr Schwarzenegger said he hoped the legislation - approved by the Californian Senate last night - would become “an example for other states and nations to follow” in the fight against climate change.

Californian senators voted 23-14 in favour of the plan after weeks of tough negotiations. It is now expected to be backed by California’s Democrat-controlled Assembly. The move is in sharp contrast to George Bush’s inaction on climate change, notably his refusal to sign up to binding targets in the Kyoto protocol.

In the past, Mr Schwarzenegger has accused the US president of failing to demonstrate leadership on climate change. Last month, Tony Blair broke with his usual loyalty to the Bush administration by signing a statement of intent with California that could open the way for a new transatlantic carbon trading agreement aimed at cutting emissions.

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