With some new and some familiar faces, Brown Administration’s energy agenda is not expected to differ drastically with Schwarzenegger’s Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger won kudos from many environmentalists, mostly because of his support as a Republican for AB32, though he clashed in recent years with environmentalists over several issues, including expediting the permit processing process for renewable energy projects. It is still too soon to say to what extent Gov. Jerry Brown’s energy and environmental policies will differ, but it is unlikely they will change too much.

If, as expected, the Governor nominates John Laird to head California’s Natural Resources Agency, Brown is picking a recognized environmental advocate. The former Santa Cruz legislator co-authored California’s climate bill A.B. 32, led fights against offshore oil drilling, and pushed for the designation of the Monterey Bay as a national marine sanctuary. If nominated and confirmed, Laird would face several significant issues, such as the continued deadline of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, an underfunded state park system, and a shortage of wildlife wardens. Word of Laird’s expected nomination was applauded by environmentalists and criticized by the California Republican Party.