Energy and the Environment

Governor Schwarzenegger’s lifelong love of the great outdoors carried into his leadership of California. The Governor fought to protect the beauty and natural resources of California, address climate change, support clean air, champion clean energy, and fight for the right of citizens to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and eat healthy food.

Recent Institute Activity

Drawing the Future: The High-Stakes Battle Over Gerrymandering in Texas and Across the Nation

Drawing the Future: The High-Stakes Battle Over Gerrymandering in Texas and Across the Nation BIOS (in alphabetical order): David Daley Journalist, Author, and Senior Fellow at FairVote and t
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Former U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona Joins USC Schwarzenegger Institute Board of Advisors

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy is proud to announce that former United States Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona, Ed.D., has joined its Board of Advisors. With deca
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Donates $1 Million to Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Efforts

In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Arnold Schwarzenegger has pledged $1 million to support relief efforts across Los Angeles County. His donation will be distributed among three
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Schwarzenegger Institute Launches Whisky that Gives Back

Inspired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent $1 million donation to wildfire relief efforts, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute is expanding its own efforts to support those affected by the Eat
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Schwarzenegger Institute Welcomes New USC Price Dean

The Schwarzenegger Institute officially welcomed Christopher Boone as the new dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy during his installation ceremony on February 10th. Boone, an esteemed expert
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Fran Pavley Joins Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery

Following the 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires, Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath has convened an independent commission aimed at guiding the region’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. The commission, c
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Christian Grose Named 2024 Communicator of the Year

In a recent luncheon hosted by Moh El-Naggar, interim dean of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, seven exceptional scholars were awarded the 2024 Communicator of the Year Award. T
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Adam Rose Publishes New Offshore Wind Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Faculty Fellow Adam Rose has published a new article, "Benefits and Challenges of California Offshore Wind Electricity: An Updated Assessment," in Energies, shedding light on
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Steven Olikara Joins the Schwarzenegger Institute

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy is thrilled to welcome Steven Olikara as our new Senior Fellow for Political Transformation. A nationally recognized leader in post-partisa
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Hands Out Turkeys At Thanksgiving Giveaway

Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his longstanding Thanksgiving tradition at the Hollenbeck Youth Center earlier this week. He once again teamed up with Danny and Priscilla Hernandez to distribute turke
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Donates $1 Million to Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Efforts

In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Arnold Schwarzenegger has pledged $1 million to support relief efforts across Los Angeles County. His donation will be distributed among three critical organizations: the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, the California Fire Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles—all of which are actively working… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Launches Whisky that Gives Back

Inspired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent $1 million donation to wildfire relief efforts, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute is expanding its own efforts to support those affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena. In collaboration with Alexander Murray & Co, the Institute has announced that all proceeds from the limited-edition “MacSchwarzenegger” Scotch whisky will be donated… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Welcomes New USC Price Dean

The Schwarzenegger Institute officially welcomed Christopher Boone as the new dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy during his installation ceremony on February 10th. Boone, an esteemed expert in urban sustainability, global environmental change, urbanization, and environmental justice, brings a wealth of experience from his previous leadership roles at Arizona State University, where… View Article

Fran Pavley Joins Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery

Following the 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires, Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath has convened an independent commission aimed at guiding the region’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. The commission, composed of leading experts from diverse fields, will provide crucial recommendations for a more resilient and sustainable future for Los Angeles County. A notable addition to the commission… View Article

Conyers Davis Speaks at Greentech Festival

On Friday, November 15th, Conyers Davis took part in a powerful panel discussion titled Creating Change at the Greentech Festival (GTF). The GTF Conference serves as a platform for visionaries and leaders to explore sustainable business solutions that drive meaningful change. Moderated by Cassie Rauser, Climate & Sustainability Strategist at Morpho Strategies, the panel also… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Explores Offshore Wind Potential at Port of Long Beach

Photos By Elected Officials to Protect America On October 18th, over 50 leaders from environmental, labor, and academic fields joined elected officials and port representatives at the Port of Long Beach to discuss California’s clean energy future. Organized by the Environmental and Public Policy Advocates (EOPA), the event highlighted the potential of offshore wind as… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Hosts French Entrepreneurs

Schwarzenegger Institute Global Director Conyers Davis and Institute Senior Fellow Steven Olikara teamed up to host a delegation of French entrepreneurs and content creators visiting California. The delegation of six start-up companies was organized by Les Déterminés, a Paris based non-profit organization that supports and trains entrepreneurs from underserved communities within France. The meeting, which… View Article

Francisca Martinez Speaks at North Capital Forum

Deputy Chief of Staff Francisca Martinez represented the USC Schwarzenegger Institute at the annual North Capital Forum, a three-day event hosted by the U.S.-Mexico Foundation. The forum focuses on addressing North America’s most pressing challenges and developing collaborative solutions. As a long-standing partner of the North Capital Forum since its inception in 2022, the Schwarzenegger… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Hosts Climate Criminal Prosecution Panel

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute hosted a panel discussion on climate criminal prosecution at the USC Gould School of Law, in partnership with USC’s Energy and Environment Law Society, Criminal Law Society, and Public Citizen. Legal experts Aaron Regunberg from Public Citizen, Amy Fettig from Fair and Just Prosecution, and Don Braman from the George Washington… View Article

Francisca Martinez Joins Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy Board

Deputy Chief of Staff Francisca Martinez joined the Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy Board (WRISE) Los Angeles as the Professional Development Director. WRISE’s mission is to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future by igniting the collective power of the community. Francisca looks forward to continuing to grow the network… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Team Attends Food, Inc. 2 Premiere in Washington DC

After the successful passing of the California Food Safety Act, Chief of Staff Allison Kay and Social Media Director Ben Wong attended the premiere of Food, Inc. 2. FoodFightUSA CEO Todd Wagner credited Governor Schwarzenegger for lending his support to the bill, which banned harmful food additives in California. The documentary tackles several alarming issues… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Co-hosts Bipartisan Youth Climate Roundtable

Last month, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute partnered with the American Conservation Coalition, BrownGirl Green, and the Rockefeller Foundation to host a bipartisan roundtable discussion with young climate leaders to explore effective climate messaging and how to improve collaboration for climate action. The roundtable brought together a group of activists and environmental leaders from across the… View Article

Arnold Schwarzenegger Teams Up with Jane Fonda and Governor Newsom to Support Oil Well Buffer Zones

On March 22nd, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jane Fonda, and Governor Gavin Newsom teamed up to speak at an event about oil and gas wells. The event took place at Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Soccer Fields, overlooking the Inglewood Oil Fields. As pump jacks operated in the background, right next to the park, playgrounds and homes, Schwarzenegger,… View Article

Fran Pavley Speaks at Climate Forward Conference

Environmental Policy Director and former State Senator Fran Pavley participated in the University of Southern California’s annual Climate Forward Conference. Senator Pavley joined Pulse Fund Founding and Managing Partner Tenzin Seldon and Lawyer and Environmentalist Joanne Witty on a panel titled Climate on the Ballot: 2024 and moderated by POLITICO California Policy Editor Debra Kahn…. View Article

Governor Schwarzenegger Hosts Roundtable on Lithium Valley

By Matthew Kredell Meeting the electric vehicle demands of the future will require a quantity of lithium not yet in supply. The answer to that global problem could be right here in Southern California. The USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy organized a conversation on the exciting potential of California’s “Lithium Valley.” The Salton… View Article

20th Anniversary Celebration of California’s Clean Car Standards (AB 1493)

By Matthew Kredell California’s role as a worldwide leader in enacting climate change policy all started on July 22, 2002. That’s when then-Gov. Gray Davis signed into law AB 1493, which established California’s Clean Car Standards. Many of the architects of California’s AB 1493 gathered at Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator on July 22 to celebrate… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Hosts Eisenhower Fellows

By Matthew Kredell The USC Schwarzenegger Institute hosted 20 Eisenhower Fellows from Africa working to address the challenges of pollution and global warming. Members of the Eisenhower Fellowships’ Africa Program visited USC in the middle of a six-week tour of the U.S. to meet with experts and exchange knowledge related to sustainability, green investment and… View Article

USC, UCLA, and LABC Discuss LA County Climate Vulnerability Assessment

By Matthew Kredell Los Angeles County’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment presents the most pressing challenges and risks a changing environment poses to people living or working in Los Angeles County. On April 11, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute joined with the UCLA Luskin Center, Los Angeles Business Council and Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office to highlight… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute & Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Spotlight Young People & Climate

On November 4th, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award co-hosted a spotlight session on “Young People and Climate Action.” The session featured a panel of environmental experts and young climate champions who have dedicated their studies and careers to fighting climate change. The panel was moderated by the USC Schwarzenegger… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Webinar Highlights California’s Offshore Wind Opportunity

The Schwarzenegger Institute hosted a webinar on August 18th on their recently released "California’s Offshore Wind Electricity Opportunity” report and what the research means for California in its quest to reach ambitious renewable energy targets. Schwarzenegger opened the webinar by stressing that the state has been a world leader on clean air for decades, but that… View Article

New Study from Schwarzenegger Institute Finds Offshore Wind Critical to Solving Power Challenges

By Matthew Kredell Offshore wind electricity could bring employment gains, cost savings, carbon dioxide reductions, and improve the stability of California’s electric grid according to a new study from the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Titled “California’s Offshore Wind Electricity Opportunity,” the report highlights the economic impacts available as the Golden State seeks to take advantage of… View Article

California’s Offshore Wind Electricity Opportunity

California’s Offshore Wind Electricity Opportunity Adam Rose Research Professor, USC Price School of Public Policy Dan Wei Research Associate Professor, USC Price School of Public Policy Adam Einbinder Research Assistant, USC Dornsife College Executive Summary I. Introduction California has set forth an ambitious goal of generating all of its electricity from clean and carbon-free technologies… View Article

Glossary for Austrian World Summit 2021

1.5 Degrees Celsius Warming: Read a report from NASA about why Earth’s natural and human systems are sensitive to a warming climate and why we are concerned about 1.5 degrees Celsius warming. Adaptation: Adaptation- adapting to life in a changing climate – involves adjusting to actual or expected future climate. The goal is to reduce… View Article

Energy Observer Makes its US Debut

Just in time for this year’s Earth Day, the world’s first hydrogen-powered sea vessel, the Energy Observer, made its U.S debut and docked in Long Beach, California. Long Beach was the vessel’s first stop after a month-long sea passage from the Galapagos Islands—one of 65 stopovers the vessel has made in year four of a… View Article

USC and Stanford Host Second Symposium on Climate Change Policy and Transportation

Last month, the Schwarzenegger Institute partnered with Stanford University’s Energy Modeling Forum to host their second Stanford Energy Modeling Forum-USC Schwarzenegger Institute Symposium on Climate Change Policy and Transportation. This Symposium was a two-day event and is the second in a series of continued collaboration. Similar to the Symposium held last year at USC, this… View Article

Environmental Implications of PG&E’s Bankruptcy and Renewable Energy Contracts

Environmental Implications of PG&E’s Bankruptcy and Renewable Energy Contracts Mark Bernstein, Ph.D. Jonathan Eyer, Ph.D. Jonathan Gordon Summary and Introduction In January 2019, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) declared bankruptcy. As California’s largest utility – serving over 16 million people, PG&E faced over $30 billion in liability for at least 17 fires that ravaged California… View Article

The Impact of PACE Funding on Solar Adoption

The Impact of PACE Funding on Solar Adoption Jonathan Eyer, Research Assistant Professor in Policy Analysis and Economics Abstract: The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act allows the cost of energy saving investments like solar panels to be paid via property taxes rather than with traditional loan payments. The costs of PACE financing are low… View Article

California Has Reached it 1,000,000 Solar Roofs Goal

Former Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown and other local elected officials joined local high school students, business leaders and workers, renewable energy advocates, and community leaders to celebrate achieving one million solar roofs across California. In 2006, then-Governor Schwarzenegger signed the Million Solar Roofs Initiative into law, which set a goal of building one… View Article

USC Schwarzenegger Institute and Stanford Host Climate Change Policy and Transportation Symposium

Transportation is still the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California. The USC Schwarzenegger Institute brought together key researchers, policymakers and regulators from within the state to explore ways to curb the growth of these emissions in a cost-effective and equitable manner. The Schwarzenegger Institute collaborated with Stanford University’s Energy Modeling Forum, the USC… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Hosts Energy Storage Roundtable

On December 4th the Schwarzenegger Institute hosted an energy storage roundtable to discuss ways to accelerate the adoption of energy storage systems in California. The roundtable was led by Environmental Policy Director Fran Pavley and was attended by nearly 20 energy and policy experts from across California. Senator Pavley gave the opening remarks and focused… View Article

The Schwarzenegger Institute Offsets Carbon Emissions with Nori Carbon Removal Certificates

The Schwarzenegger Institute recently offset its 2019 carbon emissions through a partnership with the Nori carbon dioxide removal marketplace. Acting to reduce pollution and practicing environmental responsibility are essential roles of the Institute, which will be erasing an estimated 28.818 tonnes of carbon produced by travel and office operations. This purchase of Carbon Removal Certificates… View Article

Yale University’s Dan Esty Discusses New Book with Terry Tamminen and USC Students

Daniel Esty, the Hillhouse Professor of Environmental Law and Policy at Yale University, visited the Schwarzenegger Institute on October 28th to talk about his new book, A Better Planet: 40 Big Ideas for a Sustainable Future with USC Price School of Public Policy students. Former Cal-EPA Secretary and Schwarzenegger Institute Advisory Board Member Terry Tamminen led the conversation… View Article

Senator Fran Pavley Speaks at the Central Coast Sustainability Summit

Senator Fran Pavley gave the opening keynote address at the ninth annual Central Coast Sustainability Summit that took place at the University of California, Santa Barbara on October 16th. The Summit gathered key players from local institutions and governing agencies to discuss common sustainability issues, share best practices, and establish new partnerships. Senator Pavley gave… View Article

Senator Fran Pavley Gives Keynote at National Drive Electric Week Event

Last month, Senator Fran Pavley spoke to a crowd at Dodger Stadium as part of National Drive Electric Week, a national EV awareness week featuring free test drives on electric automobiles, bikes and motorcycles. During her keynote remarks, Senator Pavley talked about how EV’s not only help clean up the air by reducing climate pollution… View Article

Schwarzenegger Tackles Clean Air and Minority Rule in the Washington Post

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had back to back opinion pieces published in the Washington Post earlier this month. On September 8th the Post published “Trump can’t erase a decade of clean air progress with a Sharpie,” a strongly worded opinion piece questioning the Trump Administration’s attempt to revoke California’s clean air waiver. The following day the… View Article

Senator Pavley and the Schwarzenegger Institute Hosts Special Legislative Briefing

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute hosted a special legislative briefing on the timely and compelling book, Choked: Life and Breath in the Age of Air Pollution at the California State Capitol. Author Beth Gardiner, Politico’s Debra Kahn, and Senator Fran Pavley headlined the event attended by the state’s leading policy experts. The discussion covered everything from the passage… View Article

Senate President Emeritus Kevin de Len Speaks at 3rd Climate Conference of the Americas

Senate President Emeritus Kevin de León represented California and the USC Schwarzenegger Institute at the 3rd Climate Conference of the Americas in Rosario, Argentina. Senator de León was invited to speak about California’s climate leadership and specifically its renewable energy goals. Senator de León shared about SB 100, California’s 100% carbon-free-by-2045 goal and the Golden… View Article

Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Newsom Team Up to Modernize CalFire’s Air Force

Last week Governor Schwarzenegger joined Governor Newsom to announce an unprecedented investment in California’s firefighting efforts. The new fleet of C-130 aircraft and Blackhawk helicopters modernizes CalFire’s air force, which is now the largest firefighting air force in the world. It was an investment that began when Governor-Elect Arnold Schwarzenegger launched a Blue Ribbon Commission… View Article

USC and UCLA Explore Economic Opportunities of LA County Sustainability Plan

Making Los Angeles into a worldwide model of sustainability is going to take leaders from all sectors working together, even at its crosstown-rival universities. The USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy joined with the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation to host a preview and discussion of the Los Angeles County Sustainability Plan on… View Article

Senator Pavley Discusses Environmental Activism at European Parliament Sponsored Event

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute collaborated with the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington, D.C to co-host a screening of the award winning film, Woman at War, at USC. Woman at War is an Icelandic environmental-themed, feminist comedy-drama focusing on the intersection of environmental activism and women's rights. Senator… View Article

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mary Nichols Author Op-Ed Encouraging the Public to Go Electric

Former California Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic chair of the California Air Resources Board Mary Nichols worked together throughout the Schwarzenegger Administration to reduce emissions and air pollution. Schwarzenegger and Nichols are once again campaigning for a cleaner future by partnering with Veloz to launch a campaign that encourages the public to change their… View Article

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Fran Pavley Author Op-Ed in Support of Oregon’s HB 2020

Former California Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic State Senator Fran Pavley have collaborated on California's climate policies for over a decade. As the Oregon legislature is set to consider passage of House Bill 2020, a cap-and-invest program also known as the Clean Energy Jobs bill, the two joined forces again on an Op-Ed that… View Article

Schwarzenegger Rallies Climate Actions Heroes at Third Annual R20 Austrian World Summit

Even though he’s been known to make a memorable movie quip, Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been a man of action. It should be no surprise that for the third-annual R20 Austrian World Summit, the former California governor who now heads the USC Schwarzenegger Institute chose a theme of “less talk, more action” to spark leaders… View Article

Pollution: Making the Invisible Visible

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger convened a Talanoa Dialogue-style event in his native country of Austria, bringing together legislators, activists and entrepreneurs to share stories and best practices around combating the serious dangers of air pollution. The event, titled “Pollution: Making the Invisible Visible,” was held May 29 by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute during the… View Article

Live from Vienna: Julia, Brandon and Shane Podcast the R20 Austrian World Summit

The Political Climate podcast team attended the Austrian World Summit and heard firsthand from global leaders, like UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and climate activist Greta Thunberg. It underscored the fact that despite the U.S. pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, other countries and subnational governments continue to step up in the face of… View Article

USC Schwarzenegger Institute Visits PlumeLabs Headquarters

Following the Austrian World Summit, Schwarzenegger Institute team members Allison Kay and Francisca Martinez visited the PlumeLabs headquarters in Paris, France to discuss ways to address local air pollution. PlumeLabs is a data sourcing company that develops an app for personalized alerts and a personal air quality tracker called the “Flow.” Kay and Martinez met… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Partners with Political Climate, A Bipartisan Podcast on the Environment

The Schwarzenegger Institute is excited to announce a new partnership with “Political Climate,” a bipartisan podcast exploring energy and environmental issues in America. After gaining listenership from across party lines including industry leaders, congressmen, activists and news media, during their first season, “Political Climate” is advancing their robust public dialogue on climate and energy through… View Article

Professor Schwarzenegger Teaches Undergraduate Class on Environmental Policy

Last week, Professor Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke to a packed classroom of students taking the Schwarzenegger Institute’s Environmental Policy from Idea to Passage: AB 32, The Global Warming Solutions Act class. Professor Schwarzenegger started his talk by sharing the story of how he first got involved in environmental policy. As a child growing up in environmentally… View Article

Institute Hosts Assistant Secretary of Defense Randall Schriver

Last week, the Schwarzenegger Institute hosted Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver for a series of conversations about his work in the Indo-Pacific region. To start the day off, Governor Schwarzenegger invited ASD Schriver to a round table conversation at his production company. The Governor and ASD Schriver were joined by… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Co-hosts Climate Forward: The Politics of Climate Change Conference

On April 4th, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute, the USC Center for the Political Future, and the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies hosted the Climate Forward: The Politics of Climate Change Conference. The conference brought together political leaders, scientists and academics to discuss various policies and strategies to address the changing climate. Former Senator Fran… View Article

Senator Fran Pavley Discusses Climate Policies on Spectrum 1 News

On the eve of USC’s Climate Forward conference, Senator Fran Pavley was interviewed by Renee Eng on Spectrum 1 News’ “Inside the Issues with Alex Cohen.” Senator Pavley was asked about her participation in the Climate Forward conference, her role as the Environmental Policy Director of the Schwarzenegger Institute, and bipartisan support of climate policies…. View Article

Hon. Kevin de Len Joins Institute to Launch Statewide Fight Against Air Pollution

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute is pleased to welcome California Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Kevin de León to the University of Southern California as a Distinguished Senior Fellow for Climate, Environmental Justice and Health. De León will lead the Institute’s statewide campaign to fight childhood asthma caused by tailpipe emissions and pollution by identifying barriers to… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Provides Legislative Briefing on Economic Impacts of the PACE Program

Professor Adam Rose, accompanied by Professor Christian Grose and Conyers Davis, visited the California State Capitol on March 13th to provide a legislative briefing on his latest research on the impacts of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program on the economies of Florida and California. Earlier in the week the Schwarzenegger Institute, part of the University… View Article

Gov. Schwarzenegger and Senator Fran Pavley Discuss Putting a Price on Pollution

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the USC Center for Sustainability Solutions co-hosted with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator the leadership council discussion on federal carbon pricing policy on Feb. 22 at the La Kretz Innovation Campus in downtown Los Angeles. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger gave opening remarks before former California State Sen. Fran Pavley of the Schwarzenegger Institute… View Article

Senator Fran Pavley was Keynote Speaker at the 15th Annual California Water Law Symposium

Environmental Policy Director, Senator Fran Pavley was a keynote speaker at the 15th annual California Water Law Symposium hosted at UC Hastings School of Law. This year’s theme was “California Groundwater: SGMA and Beyond.” SGMA, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, is the first legislative measure to regulate groundwater in California’s history. Senator Pavley, principal author… View Article

Senator Pavley Speaks at 2019 Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) Southern California Regional Conference

Senator Pavley was the keynote speaker at the 2019 Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) Southern California Regional Conference that took place at Cal State University of Los Angeles. Her presentation covered California’s climate policies and the importance of building coalitions to pass such legislation. CCL’s Regional Conference is a two-day nonpartisan event that brings together activists… View Article

Impacts of the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program on the Economies of California and Florida

Impacts of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program on the Economies of California and Florida Adam Rose, Ph.D. and Dan Wei, Ph.D assess the impacts of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program on the economies of California and Florida. Property Assessed Clean Energy is a way to finance a wide range of energy and… View Article

Professor Schwarzenegger Welcomes Students to USC’s New Class Examining AB32

Last week, the Schwarzenegger Institute launched a new semester-long course at USC titled, “Environmental Policy from Idea to Passage: AB 32, The Global Warming Solutions Act.” The course is designed to walk students through the groundbreaking passage of AB 32, from idea to implementation. Co-taught by Governor Schwarzenegger, Academic Director Christian Grose, Environmental Director Senator Fran Pavley, and… View Article

Governor Schwarzenegger, Akon, and Mayor Faulconer discuss Climate Change Investments

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, with the support of Fijian Prime Minister and COP23 President Frank Bainimarama, convened a Talanoa Dialogue on Oct. 25 at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator to explore opportunities and best practices for climate-smart investments at the city and sub-national level that could terminate the root causes of climate change. It… View Article

Senator Fran Pavley attended the World Energy Press Conference

In late October, Schwarzenegger Institute Environmental Policy Director and former Senator Fran Pavley attended the World Energy Press Conference. Bryan Sherbacow, Chief Commercial Officer of World Energy and Gene Gebolys, the CEO of World Energy, led the press conference by highlighting the fact that their biofuel company is in California because of the state’s great… View Article

Senator Fran Pavley Promotes the Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook at NCEL Forum

In July 2018, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) hosted their annual National Issues Forum in Los Angeles, CA. The event gave hundreds of legislators from 37 states the opportunity to collaborate on environmental policy solutions and learn best practices from both current and former legislators. Senator Fran Pavley joined California Air Resources Board… View Article

Senator Fran Pavley Speaks at Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Training

Vice President Al Gore recently brought his Climate Reality Training to Los Angeles, CA for a three day training session. Over 2,000 activists, scientists, policy-makers, and community leaders took part in the event. Senator Fran Pavley was a featured speaker and used the opportunity to highlight California’s leadership in passing legislation that reduced pollution, protected the environment, and addressed climate change. Senator… View Article

Gov. Schwarzenneger and Senator Pavley Support the Global Climate Action Summit

Thousands of lawmakers, business leaders, activists, scientists, and climate change enthusiasts descended upon San Francisco last month to participate in the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS). Among those continuing to fight against climate change were the Schwarzenegger Institute's Environmental Policy Director and former CA State Senator, Fran Pavley and Global Director, Conyers Davis. Although Governor Schwarzenegger could… View Article

USC Schwarzenegger Institute Congratulates Californians For Meeting AB 32 Goal Four Years Early

Today the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy congratulated California’s citizens and businesses for cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels four years before the 2020 deadline mandated by AB32: The Global Warming Solutions Act. “California has shown the way forward to clean the air and pump up the economy. Surpassing our… View Article

Institute’s Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook Helps Hawaii Pass Carbon Neutrality Laws

On June 4, 2018, Governor David Ige of Hawaii signed into law two very important bills to combat climate change: HB 2182 and HB 1986. Representative Chris Lee authored the first bill, HB 2182, which makes Hawaii carbon neutral by 2045 and establishes the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force. The second bill, HB 1986, complements… View Article

R20 Austrian World Summit

On May 15th Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian President Alexander Van Der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz hosted the second-annual R20 Austrian World Summit in Vienna. Senator Fran Pavley and Jack Knott, Dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy, took part in the event with global leaders including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, Danish… View Article

Safe Drinking Water Bill Passed Through Bipartisan Effort in Maine Expands Institute’s Handbook

In a bipartisan effort to secure safer drinking water for all households, Maine’s legislature passed Representative Karen Vachon’s bill, An Act to Ensure Safe Drinking Water for Families in Maine (LD 454), last year. LD 454 plays a vital role in filling the gap in safe drinking water laws by increasing testing and treatment of… View Article

Senator Fran Pavley Keynotes at Los Angeles Clean Incubator’s Strategic Conversation with the Clean

Former State Senator and current USC Schwarzenegger Institute Legislative Outreach Director, Fran Pavley, was a keynote speaker at a recent clean vehicle event hosted by Move LA and Calstart at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI). The event, which took place on April 19th in Downtown Los Angeles, was billed as a strategic conversation with… View Article

Oxford University Professor Nick Jelley Visits the Schwarzenegger Institute to Discuss Renewable Ene

Oxford University Emeritus Professor Nick Jelley visited the Schwarzenegger Institute on April 11th to participate in a conversation on renewable energy. Professor Jelley is writing a new book for Oxford University Press entitled A Very Short Introduction to Renewable Energy and the Schwarzenegger Institute organized a round table meeting to help him with his research… View Article

Schwarzenegger Receives the Haagen-Smit Legacy Award from the California Air Resources Board

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was presented with the Haagen-Smit Legacy Award for his contributions on improving air quality at a special 50th anniversary meeting of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in Sacramento on February 8th, 2018. Schwarzenegger received the award for his work fighting pollution in both California and throughout the world. Mary Nichols,… View Article

Institute Hosts Round Table Conversation with Rear Admiral Daryl Caudle

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute was proud to continue its collaboration with the armed forces by hosting a round table conversation with the new Commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, Rear Admiral Daryl Caudle. On January 19th Admiral Caudle visited Governor Schwarzenegger's production company offices for a round table conversation on the the emerging undersea technology… View Article

Expansion of Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook

The Schwarzenegger Institute started the year with the expansion of the Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook by adding two additional bill files to its comprehensive list of environmental laws. The USC Schwarzenegger Institute partnered with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) to create the Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook, an online resource that local, regional and national governments… View Article

CARB’s 50th anniversary

CARB’s 50th anniversary The California Air Resources Board (CARB) celebrated their 50th anniversary at the UC Davis Conference Center on January 19th. CARB became a state agency under then Governor Reagan following continued efforts to reduce the amount of smog in the Los Angeles areas. The smog was so heavy in the 50's- early 1970's… View Article

Schwarzenegger Joins President Macron and World Leaders at One Planet Summit in Paris

Governor Schwarzenegger joined French President Emmanuel Macron, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim and over 50 world leaders at the One Planet Summit in Paris to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement and to add momentum to the fight against global warming. President Trump did not attend… View Article

United Nations Hosts COP 23 in Germany

Following up on the successful international agreement at COP 21 in Paris, the UN hosted world leaders in Germany for COP 23. As in Paris, the UN continues to recognize the growing role and impact of subnational governments and paid particular attention to the success of California in passing laws and regulations that protect the environment, reduce green house… View Article

Governor and Institute Collaborate with the World Health Organization (WHO)

With increasing recognition of the health impacts of climate change the World Health Organization was invited to COP 23, and reached out to the Institute and Governor Schwarzenegger who have long advocated that connecting to human health to environmental protection is the most impactful way to motivate people to act. In a second keynote speech delivered at COP 23 Governor… View Article

2017 Energy Transition Forum

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited the USC campus on October 5th to attend the third meeting of the Energy Transition Forum, the multi-year collaboration between USC's Price School of Public Policy, the Hertie School of Governance and Tsinghua University's School of Public Policy and Management that the USC Schwarzenegger Institute hosted. The former Governor enjoyed meeting with… View Article

SI Partners with NCEL to Launch First of Its Kind Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute in partnership with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) launched the Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook, a first of its kind environmental policy resource, for state legislative leaders. Governor Schwarzenegger and the Schwarzenegger Institute, recognizing the power of environmental laws passed at the state, city and local levels, spent over a year developing this… View Article

CA Bipartisan Bill Extends Cap-and-Trade Program to Reduce Carbon Emissions & Expand Economic Growth

Governor Jerry Brown, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Senate Pro Tempore Kevin De Leon and political, environmental and business leaders from across the State, came together on July 25, 2017 to celebrate the extension of California’s landmark cap-and-trade program. The leaders met on Treasure Island, with the San Francisco skyline in the background, to sign AB 398… View Article

Institute Fellows from the USC Price School Participate in the Think 20 Global Solutions Summit

Dean Jack Knott and Schwarzenegger Institute Faculty Fellow Adam Rose participated in the recent Think 20 Global Solutions Summit in Berlin, May 29 and 30, 2017. This event was organized by major think tanks around the world to provide inputs to the forthcoming G20 Summit in August. Dean Knott was a co-author of the… View Article

Governor Schwarzenegger Meets with President Macron at the Elysee Palace

On Friday, June 23rd, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and representatives from the Schwarzenegger Institute and the R20: Regions of Climate Action met with President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. President Macron and Governor Schwarzenegger spent the majority of the meeting discussing the future of the COP21 Paris… View Article

Gov. Schwarzenegger Welcomed as Special Guest by French President Macron at Global Climate Summit

Speaking at the Global Pact For The Environment summit organized by President Laurent Fabius at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger once again reminded European leaders that a majority of Americans remain committed to the Paris Agreement and that cities and states across America will continue to invest in renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Quoting… View Article

Schwarzenegger and Garcetti Inspire Crowd With Confidence In Continued US Environmental Leadership

At an event hosted by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in partnership with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute, Governor Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti teamed up to address a packed theater on the impacts that environmental and climate actions have at the city and state level. In the hour long conversation the two leaders discussed President Trump's… View Article

Institute Joins R20 and World Leaders for 1st Austrian World Summit

Vienna, Austria — Less than three weeks after President Trump announced his intention to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, Governor Schwarzenegger reminded the world that it will take more than one man to stop the global march towards a clean energy future. Arnold said "one man will not stop our progress,… View Article

Strengthening International Partnerships with the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles

The Schwarzenegger Institute team, led by Global Director Bonnie Reiss, met with Carlos Garcia De Alba Z., the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles to discuss bi-lateral cooperation between California and Mexico and ways that the Institute can build on Governor Schwarzenegger’s strong relationship with Mexico. Schwarzenegger filmed several movies in Mexico and worked closely… View Article

Institute Hosts Rear Admiral Fritz Roegge, and Leaders From the Media and Entertainment Industries

California is home to more active duty and reserve military personnel and their families than any other state in America, and when Governor Schwarzenegger was in office he created the Governor’s Military Affairs Advisory Council to help advise his administration on how to best manage issues unique to this important community. The Military Affairs… View Article

Governor Schwarzenegger Receives France’s Highest Honor for His Environmental Work

On Friday, April 28th French President Francois Hollande presented Governor Schwarzenegger the highest honor of his country, making him a Commandeur of the Legion of Honor. The Legion d’Honneur, founded in 1802 as an order of merit, is awarded to military and civilian personnel for distinguished service to France. Schwarzenegger praised Hollande and the… View Article

Institute Partners with ESA, Hosts Senator Barbara Boxer

With focus on clean energy, environment, and climate change policies a priority of the Institute and collaborating and supporting USC students another priority it is always gratifying to partner with the USC Environmental Student Assembly. The Trump administration’s appointment of Scott Pruitt as head of the EPA, whose track record of suing the EPA… View Article

Austrian Trade Delegation Visits the USC Schwarzenegger Institute

As part of the Institute’s continuing partnerships with global leaders and consul generals based in California the Institute was pleased to host a delegation of Austrian journalists and business leaders during their April visit to our state. In May 2016 the Institute attended a European Union consul general meeting, hosted by Polish Consul General Mariusz… View Article

Addressing the World’s Leading Cause of Death – Pollution

The Schwarzenegger Institute in partnership with Pure Earth hosted a roundtable briefing featuring the latest work of the Global Commission on Pollution and Health , which consists of some of the world’s pre-eminent thought-leaders in environmental science and health, economics and global development. Dr. Philip Landrigan, Dean for Global Health at Mt Sinai, and Richard… View Article

Conservative Republican Group Calls for Carbon Tax

Institute Advisor and former Secretary of State George Shultz and a group of respected Republican leaders including James Baker and Henry Paulson recently launched the Climate Leadership Council, and have publicly advocated for a carbon tax. They favor setting a price on carbon as a way to encourage energy efficiency and limit the impact of… View Article

Designing an Emissions Trading System to Achieve the COP 21 Goals

USC Professor and Institute Academic Director Dan Mazmanian, together with other USC faculty members, are leading a clean energy research collaboration with the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Germany, and Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, that focuses on the policies and economics of transitioning to clean energy as well as meeting the goals laid… View Article

Professor Schwarzenegger Speaks to the Environmental Student Assembly

Arnold Schwarzenegger, USC’s Governor Downey Professor of State and Global Policy, kicked off the new semester by meeting with members of the USC Environmental Student Assembly (ESA) and environmental studies faculty members to discuss the best strategies for continuing the momentum of environmental progress. A wide range of strategies and topics were discussed at… View Article

Energy Policy Forum 2016

The second of a three-year Energy Policy Forum research partnership supported by SI and the Price School convened in Berlin Germany on October 6 & 7. Together with their school Deans faculty teams from Price, Tsinghua School of Policy (Beijing), and Hertie School of Governance (Berlin) met for the second year in a row to… View Article

USC Schwarzenegger Institute Observes U.S. Marine Corps Energy Capability Exercise

On December 6, 2016 the U.S. Marine Corp Expeditionary Energy Office conducted an Energy Capability Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty Nine Palms. The USC Schwarzenegger Institute, recognized for its focus on climate change and energy conservation public policy issues, was invited to observe the exercise and to see first-hand the ways… View Article

Center for Public Integrity Launches ?Carbon Wars?

In partnership with the UCLA Law Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment , the Schwarzenegger Institute invited prominent California environmental leaders to USC to learn about the Center for Public Integrity's newest project “Carbon Wars”. Founded in 1989 and based in D.C. the Center is one of the nation’s oldest and largest… View Article

10th Anniversary of California’s Landmark Global Warming Solutions Act

On October 5th the USC Schwarzenegger Institute partnered with the California Museum in Sacramento to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passage of AB32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, the landmark law which requires California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to 1990 levels by the year 2020. Governor Schwarzenegger was joined by Governor Jerry… View Article

Schwarzenegger & National Geographic Host Premiere for 2nd Season of “Years of Living Dangerously”

Years of Living Dangerously, the Emmy-winning climate change series, returns for a second season This October. To mark the occasion Governor Schwarzenegger and National Geographic hosted a star studded premiere at the Museum of Natural History in New York on September 21st. Schwarzenegger spoke at the event about how shows like “Years of Living Dangerously”… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Participated in After Fossil Fuels “The New Economy” Conference at Oberlin

The Institute was proud to collaborate with Oberlin College for their three day conference "After Fossil Fuels – The New Economy." The event was organized by distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics David Orr and brought together thought leaders from across the United States. The conference focused on a wide range of clean energy… View Article

Silicon Valley Leadership Group Energy and Sustainability Summit 2016

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) is a non-profit organization that supports activities that drive community engagement and serves as a forum for non-partisan research and analysis of public policy issues affecting the Silicon Valley region, including education, energy, environmental protection, health, housing land use and transportation. The SVLG hosted their 4th Annual Energy and Sustainability… View Article

Schwarzenegger Teams Up with Leonardo DiCaprio to Focus on Climate Change

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, founded in 1998, is dedicated to the wellbeing of Earth’s inhabitants and supports projects that protect vulnerable wildlife from extinction, while restoring threatened ecosystems and communities and on the more pervasive threat of climate change. In July the Foundation hosted its third annual fundraising gala in St. Tropez, France and raised over… View Article

Celebration of California?s Leadership on ?Clean Cars?

The Institute joined political, business and environmental leaders in Sacramento on August 3rd for an event celebrating California’s continued leadership on protecting air quality and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Senator Fran Pavley and V. John White, Executive Director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT), hosted the event to commemorate the… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute and Field Research Release Poll

THE MANY STATES OF CALIFORNIA: HOW LIKELY VOTERS IN CALIFORNIA'S JUNE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY VIEW THE ISSUES Full Press Release

Schwarzenegger Institute Continues Focus on Climate Change

Los Angeles is host to consul generals from all over the world responsible for building closer diplomatic and economic relationships between their home countries and California & the Western United States. European Union member-state consul generals meet monthly to discuss policies of mutual interest and to coordinate consular activities. Schwarzenegger Institute Global Director Bonnie Reiss… View Article

Institute Focuses on Carbon Emission Markets

EU, CHINA AND CALIFORNIA LEADERS FOCUS ON EMISSIONS TRADING SYSTEMS On February 11th the Institute hosted Dr. Ian Duncan, Member of the European Parliament, and lead author on the Parliament's report exploring reforms to the European Union’s carbon emissions trading scheme. Joining Dr. Duncan were leaders from across California that helped develop and manage the… View Article

Off to a Strong Start in 2016 – COP21 Follow Up & Supporting Great USC Students

Sustainable Development Solutions Network 2015 ended with 195 countries reaching a historic agreement at COP21 to combat climate change and begin implementing the actions and investment needed to create a low carbon, resilient and sustainable future. The USC Schwarzenegger Institute was pleased to play apart in those negations and as a result has a first-hand… View Article

Live From Paris COP 21: Final Days of Negotiations to Reach Global Accord

With three days remaining for the COP21 to reach an accord, negotiators are working hard to overcome final obstacles being raised by some nations. Achieving consensus from the 195 nations participating in the COP21 is quite a challenge. If you can imagine any state or national governing body having 100% of their members agree on… View Article

LIVE FROM PARIS: Institute Partners with Sciences Po University and Addresses UN Assembly

UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY On Monday in Paris at the COP21 climate summit progress continues on plans to reduce emissions and create a renewable energy future. Today the UN General Assembly opened their session with an optimistic speech by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about the level of commitments being made by over 190 participating nations. WATCH THE… View Article

Live From Paris: Institute and R20 Release Research Reports at UN COP 21

LIVE FROM PARIS: Institute and R20 Release Research Reports at UN COP21 As thousands of leaders from Government, business, finance, NGOs and academia gather in Paris from over 190 nations, the main goal is to find a pathway to reduce emissions enough so that the most catastrophic consequences of climate change can be averted. There are… View Article

LIVE WEBCAST of Climate Leadership Discussion with Arnold Schwarzenegger In Paris During COP21

WATCH THE LIVE WEBCAST of the climate leadership discussion during COP 21 with Arnold Schwarzenegger at Sciences Po University in Paris, on December 7, 2015 at 10:30am PST (7:30pm Paris Time)!. SEE LINK BELOW! The USC Schwarzenegger Institute is partnering with Sciences Po University Paris School of International Affairs, to host a climate leadership discussion with Governor… View Article

Institute Forms International Research Collaborative Focused on Climate Change

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy, as part of the USC Price School of Public Policy, has developed an international energy transition collaborative reaching across the United States, China, and Germany, devoted to systematically identifying the best research, policy, and practices to advance the energy transition evolving in the three countries. The… View Article

On the Road to Paris: Institute Continues Its Focus on Global Warming

Dr. Per Espen Stoknes, Prominent Author, Economist and Organizational Psychologist on How to Talk About Climate Change On Thursday, October 29, 2015 the Schwarzenegger Institute, in partnership with the USC Environmental Student Assembly (ESA), hosted Dr. Per Espen Stoknes for a discussion about his newest book “What We Think About, When We Try Not to Think… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute hosts New Zealand Parliamentary member Gareth Hughes

On October 5, the Schwarzenegger Institute hosted New Zealand Parliamentary member Gareth Hughes for a visit. Hughes, a member of New Zealand’s green party, has been serving the New Zealand public for six years, where he has served as a champion for broad-ranging sustainability policy efforts. He visited USC as part of a 2-week US… View Article

On the Road to UN Climate Conference in Paris: Institute Hosts Austrian Minister of Environment

One of the primary focuses of Governor Schwarzenegger’s administration and the USC Schwarzenegger Institute is environmental protection and addressing climate change, and that work continued on September 21st at USC. As Governor Schwarzenegger, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and our partners at the R20 prepare to participate at the UN’s COP 21 in Paris in December… View Article

Institute and PPIC Join With State Leaders to Find Solutions to Water Crisis

Arnold Schwarzenegger called for the implementation of long-term solutions to solve the state’s water issues and put an end to the chronic drought cycle at a forum hosted on April 27 by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the Public Policy Institute of California. With California in the fourth year of a record drought that resulted… View Article

Watch Live WEBCAST of Water Forum – “The New Reality: Addressing California’s Water Challenge”

For more information on this event Click Here

USC Environmental Student Assembly Hosts Governator

It was standing room only at USC’s Bovard Auditorium last night, as more than 500 students, faculty and university guests packed the house to hear Governor Schwarzenegger deliver remarks on how environmentalism must be a bi-partisan priority to protect our health, jobs and security. The event was co-sponsored by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute, the USC… View Article

US-China Green Innovators Forum at USC

On Wednesday, December 17th the USC Schwarzenegger Institute partnered with the R20 Regions of Climate Action, to host dozens of China’s CEO’s and business leaders focused on growing their business while addressing climate change and environmental protection. The forum brought together leaders from a cross section of industry sectors including real estate and development; energy;… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Fellow, Rhett Paranay’s take on the US-China Green Innovators Forum

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute is proud to have student fellows who are doing significant research on important policy areas. Rhett Paranay is a USC Price Public Policy Graduate student who is in the first class of Schwarzenegger Student Fellows and the following is his perspective on the Green Innovators Forum: On Wednesday, December 17, the… View Article

Decarbonizing California 2020-2050 – Institute Partners with Climate Resolve

On Monday November 17th, hundreds of leaders from the Los Angeles community gathered at the USC Davidson Conference Center to explore California’s path towards meeting the ambitious GHG reduction goals by 2050. The conference also looked at the global efforts at addressing climate change and how the lessons that we have learned in both ambient… View Article

Links to Research Articles – September 8th Climate Symposium

California has and will continue to prioritize the issue of climate change for many reasons: – The scientific research is conclusive. – To protect the health of our citizens and our communities. – To remain competitive in the global economy. – The economic cost of climate change demands action now. The following is a partial list of relevant research,… View Article

September 8th Climate Symposium-Global Climate Negotiations:Lessons From California

By Linda Adams, Chairman of the Board of the Climate Action Reserve and former Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency In our unwavering battle against global climate change, we are fortunate to claim some of today’s most innovative and pioneering leaders as fighting on our team. Among them are Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor Jerry Brown, California… View Article

Watch WEBCAST of September 8th Climate Symposium – Global Climate Negotiations: Lessons From CA

As leaders from across the globe prepare to gather at the United Nations Climate Change Conferences, COP20 and COP21, On September 8th, 2014 the leaders of California gathered at an important symposium to review the various policies that have placed California at the forefront of addressing climate change, and explored what lessons have been learned to share… View Article

September 8th Climate Symposium – Global Climate Negotiations: Lessons From California

WHEN: September 8, 2014 9:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Byron Sher Auditorium, Cal EPA Address: 1001 I St, Sacramento, CA 95812 WHAT: As leaders from across the globe prepare to gather at the United Nations Climate Change Conferences, COP20 and COP21, the leaders of California will gather at this important symposium to review the various… View Article

POLICY IN ACTION: PRESIDENT ACTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Arnold Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on President Obama’s Plan to Use the Clean Air Act to Cut Carbon Pollution from Existing Power Plants Former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy’s announcement that the EPA will use the Clean Air Act to carry out President… View Article

“Years of Living Dangerously”, a Showtime Documentary Series

Years of Living Dangerously is a 9 part Showtime documentary series focused on climate change, which premiered on April 14th. This weekly series uses celebrity investigators like Harrison Ford, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Lesley Stahl, Jessica Alba and others, to interview both experts and ordinary people. The series goes to regions across the globe exploring… View Article

Schwarzenegger Institute Global Director Bonnie Reiss joins Ed Begley Jr. on BiteSize TV

Respected celebrity environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. hosted an informative Earth Day segment with Bonnie Reiss on BiteSize TV inspiring people about all they can do to address climate change. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CONVERSATION

Governor Schwarzenegger Named Honorary Forest Ranger By Chief Tidwel

On October 30th Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was made an honorary forest ranger at a ceremony hosted by U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington DC. Before presenting Governor Schwarzenegger with a U.S. Forest Ranger jacket Chief Tidwell thanked Governor Schwarzenegger for his long and continued leadership on climate change… View Article

Senator Reid Hosts National Clean Energy Summit

On August 13th, 20133 Governor Schwarzenegger joined Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to discuss the power of state governments in fighting climate change. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid invited Governor Schwarzenegger to speak at Tuesday's 6th annual National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas. Every year, the summit brings together clean… View Article

Schwarzenegger Signs Agreement with Prime Minister of Algeria

On Tuesday, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger met with Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and other Algerian leaders to sign a three year agreement establishing an R20 office that will advise Algerian states on solar energy projects, waste reduction and waste energy projects, energy-efficient streetlighting, and other sustainable technologies. The office will serve as a regional hub… View Article

Schwarzenegger Delivers Keynote at Annual Covenant of Mayors Ceremony

On Monday, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered the keynote speech at the 4th Annual Covenant of Mayors Ceremony. Nearly 1,500 European Mayors attended the event, which kicked off EU Sustainable Energy Week. Schwarzenegger also announced a new partnership between the European Union and the R20 to support subnational climate change solutions, thereby reducing the burden on… View Article

Is ?Zero Waste? In Our Future?

Is “Zero Waste” In Our Future? By Terry Tamminen The USC Schwarzenegger Institute hosted a conference today on the topic of getting to “zero waste.” Yes, 200 leaders from government, business, academia, community groups, and investors gathered to imagine a day when the concept of waste would disappear from our vocabulary. The consensus was amazing… View Article

Gov. Schwarzenegger and Scientists Call for Action on Climate Change

Experts address impact of climate change at USC Price forum By Matthew Kredell The USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the USC Center for Sustainable Cities, both housed within the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, brought together some of the nation's most prominent scientists and local leaders April 8 for a meaningful discussion on the… View Article

Vienna R20 Energy & Climate Conference

On Thursday, January 31, 2013, R20 Founding Chair Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann, along with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute hosted the Vienna R20 Global Conference on Renewable Energy and Climate – “Implementing the Sustainable Energy Future.” The transformational interactive conference focused on practical and inspiring sub-national bottom-up actions from around the globe to… View Article