On Monday, Feb. 24, Republicans in the Oregon Senate walked out in an effort to kill SB 1530, the Democrats’ proposed climate legislation. This marks the second consecutive legislative session in which the Republicans have walked out in protest to the climate policy, colloquially known as Cap and Trade.
SB 1530 was passed by the the Ways and Means Committee Monday morning. The next step for this legislation is a vote on the Senate floor. With the Republicans gone, the minimum number of legislators needed to conduct business or vote on any proposed legislation is not met.
To conduct business a minimum of 20 Senators is required. The Democrats hold a super majority of 18 members. This means that in order to break the walk out, only two Republicans would need to be present on the floor.
However, the Republicans said they are prepared to deny a quorum for the Senate until the legislation is dead. They are willing to remain gone until the end of the session, which is March 8, under the Oregon Constitution.
The bill was passed by Ways and Means on a very close vote. All the committee’s Republicans voted against it, as well as, Democrat Betsy Johnson. This action would have killed the legislation in committee, however, Senate President Courtney joined to vote in support. This is an uncommon action, however, it is allowed under the Senate Rules.
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.
Senate Republican Leader Herman Baertschiger, Jr.
The bill would implement a system known as cap and trade in order to curb Oregon’s carbon emissions. This consists of limits placed on Oregon’s carbon emissions, which declines over time. It also creates credits, which polluters can buy or trade in order to release emissions.
The Senate Republicans walked out in reaction to this legislation last June. They left the state for nine days, garnering national media attention and preventing the passage of Cap and Trade. They are calling for the legislature to refer Cap and Trade to the voters, instead of passing it themselves.
