Nearly all Republican state representatives in Oregon refused to show up to vote on a carbon cap-and-trade bill that Democrats in the state are seeking to push through the legislature.
If passed, Senate Bill 1530 would slowly decrease the limit of carbon emissions that companies in the state are allowed to create and make companies apply for “emission allowances” with the state government.
At Monday’s 11 a.m. floor session, just one Republican showed up, the Oregonian reported. State law requires a two-thirds majority of all senators to be present in order for the body to vote on resolutions or legislation. Therefore, Senate President Peter Courtney, a Democrat, decided to adjourn the chamber until Tuesday.
“Senator Courtney’s actions leave no other option for Senate Republicans but to boycott and deny quorum because cap and trade is on the way to the Senate floor,” Herman Baertschiger, the Senate Republican leader said in a statement. “Democrats refused to work with Republicans and denied every amendment that was presented. Pay attention Oregon — this is a true example of partisan politics.”
The amendment proposed by Republicans and shot down by Democrats included referring the climate plan to voters. A vote on the cap-and-trade bill is not expected until Wednesday at the earliest.
