Schwarzenegger rips into Bush administration

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell, both Republicans, have authored a scathing opinion piece accusing the Bush administration of inaction and denial that "borders on malfeasance" for blocking tailpipe emission regulations in several states. In the Washington Post today, the duo write:

"By continuing to stonewall California's request, the federal government is blocking the will of tens of millions of people in California, Connecticut and other states who want their government to take real action on global warming.

"The EPA is finally holding the first of two hearings on the waiver request tomorrow, and we welcome the opportunity to call attention to the harmful effects that global warming is having on people and the environment. But we are far from convinced that the agency intends to follow the law and grant us our waiver. If it fails to do so, we have an obligation to take legal action and settle this issue once and for all." [Emph. added.]

Schwarzenegger and Rell (pictured together looking rather gloomy at a White House event in February) said President George W. Bush's recent executive order requiring further study on global warming "sounds like more of the same inaction and denial, and it is unconscionable."

(Photo: Charles Dharapak/AP)