I am sorry that I was not able to join in tonight’s long anticipated celebration – a celebration that has been years in the making.

Decades ago – long before there was a federal Clean Air Act – California demonstrated environmental leadership by passing its own clean air standards.  That is why in 2002 I was honored to sign AB 1493 into law, a bill authored by then Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, which was the first law in the nation to substantively reduce GHG vehicle emissions and fight global warming.

Seven years later, under the bold leadership of President Obama, we not only have our long-overdue EPA waiver, but also the honor of knowing it’s this 2002 law which serves as the framework for a new national standard for vehicle emission reductions. 

I also want to applaud the tremendous efforts of Governor Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Brown. Together they both fought and lobbied against the stall tactics of the previous federal administration, and without their efforts we might not be celebrating this victory tonight.

Only one state can be the first (to reduce vehicle emissions and fight global warming).  I am proud California was that state  ---- and I'm prouder still of the enormous contributions made by the environmental and scientific communities to make this achievement possible.

 Enjoy the celebration - you've certainly earned it!