Free Republic

Gov. Jerry Brown is ordering California to permanently follow some conservation measures taken during the state's drought. Brown's order on Monday came as water officials consider whether to ease a 20 percent conservation order for cities and towns. The order does not set a mandatory percentage for saving water. The latest call for changes came after El Nino storms left a healthy snowpack and brimming water reservoirs in Northern California. Brown's executive order requires cities and towns to continue monthly reporting of water use. In addition, bans on overwatering lawns will become lasting. Brown's executive order also requires better drought...

Schwarzenegger wants power to fight global warming The governor calls for a reduction in California's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a powerful new centralized authority under his direct control that would be charged with implementing one of the nation's most far-reaching initiatives to curb global warming. Schwarzenegger has submitted his plan to various interests negotiating legislation that would map California's route toward a gradual rollback of greenhouse gas emissions, blamed for global warming, to 1990 levels by 2020, a potential 25 percent reduction. Schwarzenegger's hand-picked Climate Action Board also would...