On July 17, 2008, under the direction of Governor Schwarzenegger, the California Building Standards Commission adopted the nation's first statewide "green" building code. A press release from the Governor's office states that "by adopting this first-in-the-nation statewide green building code, California is again leading the way to fight climate change and protect the environment." The code is expected to lead to improved energy efficiency and reduced water consumption in all new construction throughout the state, while also reducing the carbon footprint of every new structure in California. Commission Chair Rosario Marin commended the Commission and stated that the code is a result of "bringing everyone to the table" including representatives of the construction and building trades industry, environmental groups, and labor organizations to "achieve something no other state has been able to."

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