Schwarzenegger vetoes bill to ban smoking at all state parks, would have been first in nation

Schwarzenegger vetoes smoking ban at state parks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed legislation that would have banned smoking at all California state parks and beaches.

The cigar-smoking governor said Monday that such a ban would be an improper intrusion of government into people’s lives.

Schwarzenegger often invites state lawmakers into his smoking tent at the state Capitol.

The bill’s author, Democratic state Sen. Jenny Oropeza of Long Beach, says her bill would have helped reduce litter, the threat of wildfires and second-hand smoke.

Hundreds of communities nationwide have enacted similar bans at municipal parks and local beaches. Maine is the only state to ban smoking at its state beaches.

Anti-smoking groups say no state has banned smoking throughout its entire park system.