SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Latest on a walkout by Oregon Senate Republicans to protest legislation to address climate change (all times local):
9:23 a.m.
Republicans in the Oregon Senate were absent for a second day to delay a vote on a sweeping climate policy.
None of the 11 GOP Senators appeared Friday morning. They have until 11 a.m. to show if they want to avoid a $500 fine.
Gov. Kate Brown has deployed the state police to round up Republican senators who fled the Legislature – and in some cases, the state – to thwart passage of a climate proposal that would dramatically lower fossil fuel emissions by 2050. Under the proposed bill, Oregon would put an overall limit on greenhouse gas emissions and auction off pollution “allowances” for each ton of carbon industries plan to emit. The legislation would lower that cap over time to encourage businesses to move away from fossil fuels.
The Oregon State Police has confirmed it is working with out of state of state resources to track the lawmakers down.
“It’s time for the Senate Republicans to show up and do the job they were elected to do,” Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, said at a news conference.
“Send bachelors and come heavily armed,” Sen. Brian Boquist, a Republican from Dallas, said in response late Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times, as the prospect of a walkout loomed. “I’m not going to be a political prisoner in the state of Oregon. It’s just that simple.”
Boquist, who is reportedly in Idaho, did not respond to emails, the Times reported.
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9:32 p.m.
GOP senators are preparing to remain absent from the Capitol for a second day to block a landmark climate plan that would be the second of its kind nationwide.
Gov. Kate Brown has deployed the state police to round up 12 Republican senators who fled the Legislature – and in some cases, the state – to thwart passage of a climate proposal that would dramatically lower fossil fuel emissions by 2050.
The GOP lawmakers didn’t show on Thursday and there were no indications they would return Friday.
State Police can force senators they track down in Oregon into a patrol car to return them to the Capitol, although the agency said in a statement that it would use “polite communication” and patience to bring the rogue lawmakers back.
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