Electric cars are 'sexy,' Schwarzenegger says
By Zac Anderson
Published Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 2:09 p.m.
Last updated Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 7:49 p.m.
MIAMI — Calling electric cars "sexy" and America's energy policies "shameful," charismatic California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made a surprise appearance in Miami on Thursday to praise Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's efforts to stop global climate change.
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Meeting with Crist shortly after he took office in 2006, Schwarzenegger's advisers helped convince Crist to embark on an ambitious energy reform initiative, which was announced at Florida's first climate change summit last year.
The "Terminator" star helped wrap up the second annual Florida Summit on Global Climate Change Thursday by challenging Florida to continue in California's footsteps by pushing renewable energy, vehicle efficiency and create a "consistent long-term energy policy that gives consumers more choices."
But Schwarzenegger made more news by criticizing proposals for expanding offshore oil drilling, which have been backed by Gov. Charlie Crist and Sen. John McCain.
"America is so addicted to oil that it will take years to wean ourselves from it," Schwarzenegger said. "To look for new ways to feed our addiction is not the answer."
"Anyone who tells you this would bring down gas prices anytime soon is blowing smoke," he added.
The California governor was in a playful mood, joking with Crist about his vice presidential ambitions, his tan and an award Crist gave Schwarzenegger for climate change leadership.
"Obviously, having been in body building all these years you get a lot of awards but I have to say this is without a doubt the most…… recent," Schwarzenegger joked.
Schwarzenegger also indirectly criticized the Florida Legislature's decision not to adopt California's Clean Cars legislation, which would lead to all new vehicles averaging 43 miles per gallon by 2016 and was supported by Crist.
Schwarzenegger said passenger vehicles in the United States currently average less than 25 miles per gallon.
"That's less than the (Ford) Model T got in the 1920s," Schwarzenegger said. "That is extraordinary."
The California governor had strong praise for Crist's leadership on climate change, though.
"(Crist) brought our nations fourth biggest state into the fight against global warming and he did that with full force," he said, ending with the trademark: "I'll be back."
Last modified: June 26, 2008 7:49pm
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