Why the about-face on an appointee whose "expertise in tackling tough
pollution control issues will be fundamental to ensuring the legacy of
the Air Resources Board in creating a clean and healthy future for California continues"?

I’m inclined to agree with the suggestion of the SF Chronicle:
the former UC Berkeley professor might have been a little too
interested in actually reducing greenhouse gases under last year’s much
ballyhooed legislation. Sawyer joined two other Arnold appointees last
week in a dissent to weak suggestions by the rest of the board for
beginning enforcement of the greenhouse emissions law.

As the Chronicle reported: "Board chairman Robert Sawyer, and members
Daniel Sperling, a UC Davis professor, and Jerry Hill, a San Mateo
County supervisor, voted against the decision because they thought there should be more regulations."

The polluting industries that have given the gov millions (like the $4
million he’s collected from big oil) must prefer the current
alternative: the bill gild’s Arnold environmental cred while he quietly
undermines its implementation.

Interestingly, the Bee also reports that Arnold met with other members
of the GOP last night to "discus[s] ways to protect, enhance and
restore our environment, but in a fair and balanced manner" when
enacting the sweeping law. Apparently "balance" includes firing anyone
who’ll speak up for strong enforcement.