Schwartznegger cancelled plans to call for Renewable Fuel Standard waiver at 11th hour

A Biofuels Digest investigation has revealed that, last spring, Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger nearly supported the effort led by Governor Rick Perry of Texas to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard. Gov. Perry had sent a letter to numerous governors asking for support of his request, but only Gov. Jodi Rell of Connecticut ultimately supported a waiver. Governor Schwartzenegger, who presides over one of the most renewable energy-friendly states in the nation, is said to have received considerable pressure to support the repeal from individuals associated with the California Air Resources Board.

The Digest source said that the Governor ultimately decided, reportedly at the 11th hour, not to support the repeal because the move would have destabilized the investment climate for renewable energy.

The Western United Dairymen had sent a letter to Gov. Schwartzenegger last May appealing for his support of the waiver. The California Cattleman’s Association had also pressed strongly for the waiver.

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