Going Green: the Golden State's Story

Linda Adams, Secretary for Environmental Protection, California Environmental Protection Agency

Environment Committee

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Linda Adams in May 2006 as Secretary of California's Environmental Protection Agency, making her the agency's first female leader. Responsible for California's diverse environmental protection programs and pioneering air quality and vehicle exhaust regulations, Adams also has been charged by the governor to explore market-based approaches to global warming issues. She will discuss California's specific efforts to fight climate change and the Governor's clean technology initiatives.

As the leading U.S. state on environmental protection legislation and regulations for air, water, and waste, much of what California initiates is copied by the other 49 states and indeed the federal government. California leads the U.S. in regulating greenhouse gas emissions from mobile as well as stationary sources and is drawing up plans for an emissions trading plan modeled on the European Community's. California's environmental leadership crosses borders: it has launched agreements with neighboring states to harmonize higher emissions standards.

During Adams' 32 years of state service, she played key roles in both the executive and legislative branches, most recently as a member of the important Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Adams joined the staff of then-Governor Gray Davis in 1999, and was responsible for negotiating legislation related to environmental protection and natural resources. Her accomplishments include the "Clean Cars/Clean Air" legislation, which earned her the "Environmental Hero Award" from California's League of Conservation Voters. Adams was instrumental in state bond measures that funded natural resources, parks and water programs.

Light breakfast and tea and coffee provided.