Is Arnie's green revolution on its way to the White House?

Having already modelled many of his energy and climate change proposals on those pioneered by California, US president-elect Barack Obama is now reportedly considering asking the state's governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take on the role of managing US energy policy.

The move may seem unlikely given Schwarzenegger's staunch support for his Republican colleague John McCain, and at times, pointed criticism of Obama during the election campaign.

But Obama has said he wants to take a bipartisan approach to government and Schwarzenegger has secured admiration from many Democrats during his time in office, in large part as a result of his pioneering climate change policies.

Rumours are now circulating on US political blogs that Schwarzenegger is in the running alongside Montana senator Jeff Bingaman for the post of energy secretary.

The reports are given added credence by the similarities that exist between Obama's proposed energy and climate change policies and those already adopted by Schwarzenegger in California.

For example, Obama has confirmed he will mirror California's target of cutting carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 and is committed to developing a nationwide carbon cap-and-trade scheme that will likely incorporate the regional scheme already being developed by California and a coalition of western states.

Both are in favour of targets for renewable energy; have been vocal supporters of biofuels and clean coal technologies; have opposed offshore drilling; and while Obama has pledged to invest $150bn (£95bn) in cleantech R &D, Schwarzenegger has overseen Silicon Valley's emergence as a global cleantech hub.

The California governor also hinted earlier this year that he would welcome any job offer.

In an interview on ABC in the summer, he said that were the role to be offered, he would give it serious consideration.

"I'm always ready to help in any way I can, the US. I've committed myself to be a public servant," he said, adding that when he steps down as California governor he will continue to campaign on environmental and energy issues.

"If I have this position or not, I will be traveling around the world and I will be promoting [energy independence], renewables, solar, windmills, … protecting the environment, protecting the oceans," he said.

In related news, former US vice president Al Gore, is also being considered for a return to the political stage as an official climate change ambassador for the new administration.

Such an appointment could see the Nobel prize winner who has filled his time since leaving office campaigning for greater action on global warming play a key role in international climate change negotiations.