USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy Website

20th Anniversary Celebration of California’s Clean Car Standards (AB 1493)

California’s role as a worldwide leader in enacting climate change policy all started on July 22, 2002.

Schwarzenegger Institute Hosts Eisenhower Fellows

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute hosted 20 Eisenhower Fellows from Africa working to address the challenges of pollution and global warming.

USC, UCLA, and LABC Discuss LA County Climate Vulnerability Assessment

Los Angeles County’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment presents the most pressing challenges and risks a changing environment poses to people living or working in Los Angeles County.

Schwarzenegger Institute & Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Spotlight Young People & Climate

On November 4th, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award co-hosted a spotlight session on “Young People and Climate Action.”

Schwarzenegger Institute Webinar Highlights California’s Offshore Wind Opportunity

The Schwarzenegger Institute hosted an August 18 webinar on their recently released "California’s Offshore Wind Electric Opportunity” report.

New Study from Schwarzenegger Institute Finds Offshore Wind Critical to Solving Power Challenges

Offshore wind electricity could bring employment gains, cost savings, carbon dioxide reductions, and improve the stability of California’s electric grid according to a new study.

California’s Offshore Wind Electricity Opportunity

California’s Offshore Wind Electricity Opportunity Report

Glossary for Austrian World Summit 2021

A glossary for the 2021 Austrian World Summit.

USC and Stanford Host Second Symposium on Climate Change Policy and Transportation

Last month, the Schwarzenegger Institute partnered with Stanford University’s Energy Modeling Forum to host their second Stanford Energy Modeling Forum-USC Schwarzenegger Institute Symposium.

Environmental Implications of PG&E’s Bankruptcy and Renewable Energy Contracts

The Schwarzenegger Institute is excited to announce the release of its newest white paper that examines the environmental implications of PG&E’s bankruptcy and renewable energy contracts.

The Impact of PACE Funding on Solar Adoption

The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act allows the cost of energy saving investments like solar panels to be paid via property taxes rather than with traditional loan payments.

California Has Reached it 1,000,000 Solar Roofs Goal

Former Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown and other local elected officials joined local high school students community leaders to celebrate achieving one million solar roofs.

USC Schwarzenegger Institute and Stanford Host Climate Change Policy and Transportation Symposium

Transportation is still the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California. The Institute brought together key researchers and policymakers to explore ways to curb the growth of emissions.

Schwarzenegger Institute Hosts Energy Storage Roundtable

On December 4th the Schwarzenegger Institute hosted an energy storage roundtable to discuss ways to accelerate the adoption of energy storage systems in California.

The Schwarzenegger Institute Offsets Carbon Emissions with Nori Carbon Removal Certificates

The Schwarzenegger Institute recently offset its 2019 carbon emissions through a partnership with the Nori carbon dioxide removal marketplace.

Yale University’s Dan Esty Discusses New Book with Terry Tamminen and USC Students

Professor Dan Esty from Yale University spoke at the Schwarzenegger Institute about his new book, "A Better Planet: 40 Big Ideas for a Sustainable Future."

Senator Fran Pavley Speaks at the Central Coast Sustainability Summit

Senator Fran Pavley gave the opening keynote address at the ninth annual Central Coast Sustainability Summit that took place at the University of California, Santa Barbara on October 16th.

Senator Fran Pavley Gives Keynote at National Drive Electric Week Event

Last month, Senator Fran Pavley spoke to a crowd at Dodger Stadium as part of National Drive Electric Week, a national EV awareness week featuring free test drives on electric automobiles.

Schwarzenegger Tackles Clean Air and Minority Rule in the Washington Post

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had back to back opinion pieces published in the Washington Post earlier this month.

Senator Pavley and the Schwarzenegger Institute Hosts Special Legislative Briefing

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute hosted a special legislative briefing on the timely and compelling book, Choked: Life and Breath in the Age of Air Pollution at the California State Capitol.

Senate President Emeritus Kevin de León Speaks at 3rd Climate Conference of the Americas

Senate President Emeritus Kevin de León represented California and the USC Schwarzenegger Institute at the 3rd Climate Conference of the Americas in Rosario, Argentina.

Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Newsom Team Up to Modernize CalFire’s Air Force

Last week Governor Schwarzenegger joined Governor Newsom to announce an unprecedented investment in California’s firefighting efforts.

USC and UCLA Explore Economic Opportunities of LA County Sustainability Plan

Making Los Angeles into a worldwide model of sustainability is going to take leaders from all sectors working together, even at its crosstown-rival universities.

Senator Pavley Discusses Environmental Activism at European Parliament Sponsored Event

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute collaborated with the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington, D.C to co-host a screening of Woman at War.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mary Nichols Author Op-Ed Encouraging the Public to Go Electric

Former California Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic chair of CARB Mary Nichols worked together throughout the Schwarzenegger Administration to reduce emissions and air pollution

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Fran Pavley Author Op-Ed in Support of Oregon’s HB 2020

Former California Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic State Senator Fran Pavley have collaborated on California's climate policies for over a decade.

Schwarzenegger Rallies Climate Actions Heroes at Third Annual R20 Austrian World Summit

Even though he’s been known to make a memorable movie quip, Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been a man of action.

Pollution: Making the Invisible Visible

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger convened a Talanoa Dialogue style event in his native country of Austria, bringing together current and former legislators, activists and entrepreneurs.

Live from Vienna: Julia, Brandon and Shane Podcast the R20 Austrian World Summit

The Political Climate podcast team attended the Austrian World Summit and heard firsthand from global leaders, like UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and climate activist Greta Thunberg.

USC Schwarzenegger Institute Visits PlumeLabs Headquarters

Following the Austrian World Summit, Schwarzenegger Institute team members Allison Kay and Francisca Martinez visited the PlumeLabs headquarters to discuss ways to address local air pollution.

Schwarzenegger Institute Partners with Political Climate, A Bipartisan Podcast on the Environment

The Schwarzenegger Institute is excited to announce a new partnership with “Political Climate,” a bipartisan podcast on energy and environmental issues in America.

Professor Schwarzenegger Teaches Undergraduate Class on Environmental Policy

Last week, Professor Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke to a packed classroom of students taking the Schwarzenegger Institute’s class on AB 32.

Institute Hosts Assistant Secretary of Defense Randall Schriver

Last week, the Schwarzenegger Institute hosted Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver for a series of conversations on his work in the Indo-Pacific region.

Schwarzenegger Institute Co-hosts Climate Forward: The Politics of Climate Change Conference

On April 4th, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute, the USC Center for the Political Future, and the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies hosted the Climate Forward Conference.

Senator Fran Pavley Discusses Climate Policies on Spectrum 1 News

On the eve of USC’s Climate Forward conference, Senator Fran Pavley was interviewed by Renee Eng on Spectrum 1 News’ “Inside the Issues with Alex Cohen.”

Hon. Kevin de León Joins Institute to Launch Statewide Fight Against Air Pollution

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute is pleased to welcome California Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Kevin de León to the University of Southern California.

Schwarzenegger Institute Provides Legislative Briefing on Economic Impacts of the PACE Program

Professor Adam Rose, accompanied by Professor Christian Grose and Conyers Davis, visited the California State Capitol on March 13th to provide a legislative briefing on his latest research.

Gov. Schwarzenegger and Senator Fran Pavley Discuss Putting a Price on Pollution

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the USC Center for Sustainability Solutions co-hosted with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator the leadership council discussion on federal carbon pricing policy.

Senator Fran Pavley was Keynote Speaker at the 15th Annual California Water Law Symposium

Environmental Policy Director, Senator Fran Pavley was a keynote speaker at the 15th annual California Water Law Symposium hosted at UC Hastings School of Law.

Senator Pavley Speaks at 2019 Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) Southern California Regional Conference

Senator Pavley was the keynote speaker at the 2019 Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) Southern California Regional Conference that took place at Cal State University of Los Angeles.

Impacts of the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program on the Economies of California and Florida

Adam Rose, Ph.D. and Dan Wei, Ph.D assess the impacts of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program on the economies of California and Florida.

Professor Schwarzenegger Welcomes Students to USC’s New Class Examining AB32

Last week, the Schwarzenegger Institute launched its first ever semester-long course at USC titled, “Environmental Policy from Idea to Passage: AB 32, The Global Warming Solutions Act.”

Governor Schwarzenegger, Akon, and Mayor Faulconer discuss Climate Change Investments

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, with the support of Fijian Prime Minister and COP23 President Frank Bainimarama, convened a Talanoa Dialogue on Oct. 25 in Los Angeles.

Senator Fran Pavley attended the World Energy Press Conference

In late October, Schwarzenegger Institute Environmental Policy Director and former Senator Fran Pavley attended the World Energy Press Conference.

Senator Fran Pavley Promotes the Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook at NCEL Forum

In July 2018, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) hosted their annual National Issues Forum in Los Angeles, CA.

Senator Fran Pavley Speaks at Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Training

Vice President Al Gore recently brought his Climate Reality Training program to Los Angeles, CA for a three day training.

Gov. Schwarzenneger and Senator Pavley Support the Global Climate Action Summit

Thousands of lawmakers, business leaders, activists, scientists, and climate change enthusiasts descended upon San Francisco last month to participate in the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS).

USC Schwarzenegger Institute Congratulates Californians For Meeting AB 32 Goal Four Years Early

Today the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy congratulated California’s citizens and businesses for cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels four years before the 20

Institute’s Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook Helps Hawaii Pass Carbon Neutrality Laws

With the help of the Schwarzenegger Institute's Digital Handbook and Senator Fran Pavley, Governor David Ige of Hawaii signed into law two very important bills to combat climate change.

R20 Austrian World Summit

On May 15th Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian President Alexander Van Der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz hosted the second-annual R20 Austrian World Summit in Vienna.

Safe Drinking Water Bill Passed Through Bipartisan Effort in Maine Expands Institute’s Handbook

In a bipartisan effort to secure safer drinking water for all households, Maine’s legislature passed Representative Karen Vachon’s bill, An Act to Ensure Safe Drinking Water for Families in Maine.

Senator Fran Pavley Keynotes at Los Angeles Clean Incubator’s Strategic Conversation with the Clean

Institute Legislative Outreach Director Fran Pavley was a keynote speaker at a clean vehicle event hosted by MoveLA and Calstart. The event was a strategic conversation with the clean vehicle industry

Oxford University Professor Nick Jelley Visits the Schwarzenegger Institute to Discuss Renewable Ene

Prof. Jelley is writing a new book for Oxford University Press and the Institute organized a meeting to help his research by talking to some of California's leading academics and policy practitioners

Schwarzenegger Receives the Haagen-Smit Legacy Award from the California Air Resources Board

chwarzenegger was presented with the Haagen-Smit Legacy Award for his contributions to improving air quality at a special 50th anniversary meeting of the California Air Resources Board

Institute Hosts Round Table Conversation with Rear Admiral Daryl Caudle

The Schwarzenegger Institute continued its collaboration with the armed forces by hosting a round table with the new Commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, Rear Admiral Daryl Caudle

Expansion of Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook

The Institute started the year with the expansion of the Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook by adding two additional bill files to its comprehensive list of environmental laws.

CARB’s 50th anniversary

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) celebrated their 50th anniversary at the UC Davis Conference Center on January 19th

Schwarzenegger Joins President Macron and World Leaders at One Planet Summit in Paris

World leaders and Gov. Schwarzenegger attend One Planet Summit in Paris to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement and to add momentum to the fight against global warming

United Nations Hosts COP 23 in Germany

Following on the successful international agreement at COP 21, the UN hosted world leaders in Germany for COP 23, and continued to recognize the growing role and impact of subnational governments.

Governor and Institute Collaborate with the World Health Organization (WHO)

At a speech at COP 23 Gov. Schwarzenegger encouraged environmental activists and international policy makers to devote more time, energy and attention to discussing the health impacts of pollution.

2017 Energy Transition Forum

Schwarzenegger visited the USC campus on October 5th to attend the 3rd meeting of the Energy Transition Forum, the multi-year collaboration between USC Price, The Hertie School and Tsinghua University

SI Partners with NCEL to Launch First of Its Kind Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook

The SI in partnership with the NCEL launched the Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook, a first of its kind environmental policy resource, for state legislative leaders.

CA Bipartisan Bill Extends Cap-and-Trade Program to Reduce Carbon Emissions & Expand Economic Growth

Political, environmental and business leaders from across the State, came together on July 25, 2017 to celebrate the extension of California’s landmark cap-and-trade program.

Institute Fellows from the USC Price School Participate in the Think 20 Global Solutions Summit

Dean Jack Knott and Schwarzenegger Institute Faculty Fellow Adam Rose participated in the recent Think 20 Global Solutions Summit in Berlin, May 29 and 30, 2017.

Governor Schwarzenegger Meets with President Macron at the Elysee Palace

Schwarzenegger Institute met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris to discuss the future of the COP21 Paris Agreement and related environmental issues.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Welcomed as Special Guest by French President Macron at Global Climate Summit

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke at the Global Pact For The Environment summit organized by President Laurent Fabius at the Sorbonne in Paris, France

Schwarzenegger and Garcetti Inspire Crowd With Confidence In Continued US Environmental Leadership

Schwarzenegger and Garcetti teamed up in Los Angeles to address a packed theater on the impacts that environmental and climate actions have at the city and state level.

Institute Joins R20 and World Leaders for 1st Austrian World Summit

Speaking to 700 international leaders, Arnold explained that a majority of Americans support the Paris Agreement and that together the US would remain committed to goals outlined in that agreement

Strengthening International Partnerships with the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles

The Schwarzenegger Institute team met with Carlos Garcia De Alba Z., the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles to discuss bi-lateral cooperation between California and Mexico

Institute Hosts Rear Admiral Fritz Roegge, and Leaders From the Media and Entertainment Industries

The Institute hosted a meeting with Rear Admiral Fritz Roegge and leaders in entertainment to discuss the geopolitical situation in the Pacific region the portrayal of submariners in pop culture

Governor Schwarzenegger Receives France’s Highest Honor for His Environmental Work

On Friday, April 28th French President Francois Hollande presented Governor Schwarzenegger the highest honor in France- The Legion d’Honneur - for his environmental work.

Institute Partners with ESA, Hosts Senator Barbara Boxer

USC ESA partners with the Institute to host Senator Barbara Boxer, Terry Tamminen, Mary Nichols and Bonnie Reiss for a panel discussing on the passage of landmark environmental in California

Austrian Trade Delegation Visits the USC Schwarzenegger Institute

As part of the Institute’s continuing partnerships with global leaders and consul generals based in California the Institute hosted a delegation of Austrian journalists and business leaders

Addressing the World’s Leading Cause of Death - Pollution

The Leaders of the Global Commission on Pollution and Health shared highlights of a soon to be released report on pollution’s severe and underreported contribution to the global burden of disease.

Conservative Republican Group Calls for Carbon Tax

Institute Advisor and former Secretary of State George Shultz recently launched the Climate Leadership Council, and and have publicly advocated for a carbon tax.

Designing an Emissions Trading System to Achieve the COP 21 Goals

USC faculty is leading a clean energy research collaboration with the Hertie School in Berlin and Tsinghua University in Beijing that focuses on policies & economics of transitioning to clean energy

Professor Schwarzenegger Speaks to the Environmental Student Assembly

Gov Schwarzenegger kicked off the new semester by meeting with members of the USC Environmental Student Assembly to discuss the best strategies for continuing the momentum of environmental progress

Energy Policy Forum 2016

Price, Tsinghua School of Policy (Beijing), and Hertie School of Governance (Berlin) met for the 2nd year to share research and discuss energy and climate change policies in the US China, and Germany

USC Schwarzenegger Institute Observes U.S. Marine Corps Energy Capability Exercise

Institute observes the exercises to see first-hand the ways Marines are improving energy efficiency and using alternative energy to become a more effective fighting force.

Center for Public Integrity Launches “Carbon Wars”

The Institute hosted prominent California environmental leaders to USC to learn about the Center for Public Integrity's newest project “Carbon Wars”.

10th Anniversary of California’s Landmark Global Warming Solutions Act

Institute hosted leaders across the state for a celebration in Sacramento to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passage of the landmark bill AB32, the Global Warming Solutions Act.

Schwarzenegger & National Geographic Host Premiere for 2nd Season of “Years of Living Dangerously”

Years of Living Dangerously, the Emmy-winning climate change series, returns for a second season and Gov Schwarzenegger & National Geographic hosted a star studded premiere.

Schwarzenegger Institute Participated in “After Fossil Fuels –The New Economy” Conference at Oberlin

The Institute was proud to collaborate with Oberlin College for their three day conference "After Fossil Fuels - The New Economy."

Silicon Valley Leadership Group Energy and Sustainability Summit 2016

The SVLG hosted their 4th Annual Energy and Sustainability Summit at Oracle and featured thought leaders from academia, government, and business, including Global Director Bonnie Reiss

Schwarzenegger Teams Up with Leonardo DiCaprio to Focus on Climate Change

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation hosted its 3rd annual fundraising gala in St. Tropez and raised over $45 million. Gov. Schwarzenegger joined DiCaprio and auctioned off a few rare pieces.

Celebration of California’s Leadership on “Clean Cars”

The Institute joined political, business and environmental leaders in Sacramento for an event celebrating CA’s continued leadership on protecting air quality and reducing our dependence on foreign oil

Schwarzenegger Institute and Field Research Release Poll

A survey of Californians likely to vote in the state's upcoming June 7 presidential primary examines the issues voters in CA consider most important when deciding whom to support for president.

Schwarzenegger Institute Continues Focus on Climate Change

Institute director invited as special guest at European Union Consul Generals’ strategy meeting for a discussion regarding climate change issues.

Institute Focuses on Carbon Emission Markets

This month the USC Schwarzenegger Institute continued its focus on climate change - with a particular focus on carbon emissions trading

Off to a Strong Start in 2016 - COP21 Follow Up & Supporting Great USC Students

Read more about the Institute's meeting with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network's Financing Sustainable Development Program Leader, and about this semester's Spotlight Award Winner

Live From Paris COP 21: Final Days of Negotiations to Reach Global Accord

Read this update from COP 21 climate negotiations in Paris!

LIVE FROM PARIS: Institute Partners with Sciences Po University and Addresses UN Assembly

LIVE FROM PARIS: Institute Partners with Sciences Po University - Governor Schwarzenegger speaks to students and addresses UN General Assembly

Live From Paris: Institute and R20 Release Research Reports at UN COP 21

Institute issues two research reports on most significant topics being focused on at COP 21: the power of climate action at the sub-national level, and accelerating investments in green technologies

LIVE WEBCAST of Climate Leadership Discussion with Arnold Schwarzenegger In Paris During COP21

WATCH THE LIVE WEBCAST of the climate leadership discussion during COP 21 with Arnold Schwarzenegger at Sciences Po University in Paris, on December 7, 2015 at 10:30am!

Institute Forms International Research Collaborative Focused on Climate Change

The Institute has developed an international energy transition collaborative devoted to identifying the best research, policy, and practices to advance energy transitions evolving in three countries

On the Road to Paris: Institute Continues Its Focus on Global Warming

Institute hosts Dr. Per Espen Stoknes, economist and organizational psychologist and Gary Gero, President of the Climate Action Reserve. Also, Bonnie Reiss participates in UC Carbon Neutrality conf.

Schwarzenegger Institute hosts New Zealand Parliamentary member Gareth Hughes

the Schwarzenegger Institute hosted New Zealand Parliamentary member Gareth Hughes for a visit. He visited USC as part of a 2-week US Study Tour that included visits with other top universities

On the Road to UN Climate Conference in Paris: Institute Hosts Austrian Minister of Environment

As the Schwarzenegger Institute prepares to participate at the UN’s COP 21 in Paris in December we are continuing our collaborations with other leaders throughout the world to advance policy solutions

Institute and PPIC Join With State Leaders to Find Solutions to Water Crisis

With Gov. Jerry Brown ordering mandatory water restrictions for the first time in the state’s history an all-star group of state leaders gathered at USC for a timely discussion

Watch Live WEBCAST of Water Forum - “The New Reality: Addressing California’s Water Challenge”

Watch Live WEBCAST of Water Forum - "The New Reality: Addressing California's Water Challenge" April 27th 3pm - 6pm Click here to Watch

Energy and the Environment