Revised Oregon climate bill could trigger another Senate GOP walkout

January 15, 2020 11:53 pm

Published January 15, 2020 7:42 pm

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The GOP leader in the Oregon Senate says there could be another walkout by Republicans over legislation aimed at stemming global warming.

Senate Minority Leader Herman Baertschiger, Jr., told reporters Wednesday that a bill being prepared by Democrats in the Legislature, which they control, is similar to one that was introduced in 2019.

“I’m still having conversations, but nothing is off the table,” Baertschiger told reporters.

Republicans in the Senate staged a nine-day walkout over last year's bill, denying a quorum. They returned only after Democrats realized they lacked votes to independently pass the measure.

The draft bill would force big greenhouse gas emitters to obtain credits for each ton of gas they emit, and create an overall cap for emissions allowed in the state.

Article Topic Follows: Environment

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The Associated Press