LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday received the Sustainable Development Leadership Award for implementing environmental policies that have a far-reaching impact on the global community.

    The award was presented by the leadership of the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit.

    "I'm honored to receive this prestigious award recognizing the work we are doing in California to fight climate change," Schwarzenegger said in a statement emailed to Xinhua.

    "There are many environmental heroes in the world today and I'm proud to stand alongside them in promoting policies that protect and sustain our natural resources," he said.

    "California has a long history of environmental leadership and we're hopeful that other states and nations will follow our lead to develop long-term solutions that promote a stronger economy and a healthier environment," said the governor.

    According to officials at the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit, Schwarzenegger was selected for the award for his leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by signing the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

    The act commits California to reduce climate change emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 -- a 25 percent reduction. By 2050, the state will reduce emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels.

    It sets the most ambitious targets in the world for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.

    Dr. Alan Lloyd, former secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, accepted the award on the governor's behalf. The annual international environmental summit is being held in New Delhi, India.

    "California is proud to be recognized worldwide as a leader in protecting the environment and our state is a beautiful place to live, work, play and visit," said Schwarzenegger. "I'm committed to keeping it that way."

    Previous winners include Former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo and Toyota Motor Co. Honorary Chairman Dr. Shoichidro Toyoda.