California and New Mexico governors stress clean-energy cooperation
Albuquerque Journal, N.M. --Aug. 10--SANTA FE, N.M.
Two moderate, high-profile governors from Western states but opposite parties on Monday stressed the need to work together on issues like development of clean energy alternatives.
"The most important thing here is working together," said
Schwarzenegger, who defeated incumbent Gov. Gray Davis in a 2003 recall
election.
"Bipartisanship is the only way in America you can get things
done," Richardson said.
Schwarzenegger focused most of his talk on clean-energy issues, which he said
could improve the environment and help the economy. For example, companies that
employ thousands have come to California to work on hydrogen technologies, he
said.
Schwarzenegger said there were some cynics who predicted plenty of fighting
after his election between Republicans and Democrats in California state
government.
"We have proven the cynics wrong," Schwarzenegger said.
Schwarzenegger urged U.S. and Mexican governors at the conference to assess
their energy needs as a region, engage in a coordinated energy conservation
campaign and engage the Western Governors Association in their efforts.
The movie-star-turned-politician thanked Richardson for his leadership on
energy issues and headed to the governor's residence in Santa Fe for a reception
and dinner.
Schwarzenegger, best known for films featuring action over acting, said he
ran into someone before his speech who said he was as good a politician as he
was an actor.
"What a cheap shot," he joked.
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