A state of unsurpassed bounty, California is also a place of contradictions. Blessed with some of the most spectacular wilderness on Earth, it is also home to some of the nation's most polluted urban areas. With the world's eighth-largest economy, California occupies a unique position on the national stage. It has a long-standing reputation for leadership in environmental protection and is known for implementing regulations and standards more rigorous than those set at the federal level.

Under the leadership of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California is entering the "century of the environment" with a new level of commitment to environmental stewardship, going as far as making the practice of sustainability part of the fabric of government itself. One of the aims of this strategy is to make government facilities a proving ground, demonstrating to the private sector that "greening" the workplace has a wide range of benefits, from cost savings to worker satisfaction and productivity. And as California sets the bar higher and higher in mandating the use of environmentally friendly practices and products, industry has responded by developing and marketing them.

Through these efforts, the state hopes to set the pace for government efforts all over the country. Legislators have worked in an unusually cooperative, bi-partisan manner to develop new legal frameworks for environmental protection. State agencies, commissions and action teams are maintaining focus on implementing new programs and attaining goals.

Though all concerned would like to see even more activity, when compared to the near-glacial pace at which government reform generally proceeds, the progress to date is truly remarkable. To fully appreciate what California's state government has undertaken, it's important to look at the whole package. From addressing climate change, to purchasing practices that reduce pollution and waste, to mandating increased energy efficiency for all state buildings, California state is redefining the concept of "green government."

For more: http://www.green-technology.org/green_technology_magazine/golden_state.htm