2019 Oregon Senate Republican walkouts

Proposed during the 80th Oregon Legislative Assembly, the bill would have provided $2 billion for K-12 schools through a new tax package.

If passed, HB 2020 would mean Oregon's entry into a pre-existing cap-and-trade program, known as the Western Climate Initiative, run by American state California and Canadian province Quebec.

[5][6] The bill would compel companies and polluters to purchase credits on a market in exchange for each emitted ton of carbon.

Over a timeline established by the bill, these credits would become more expensive due to scarcity, so creating an incentive for corporations to adopt environmentally friendly policies.

[7] The bill's passage would make Oregon the second American state to require reduced greenhouse gas emissions throughout its entire economy, as opposed to restrictions limited to the energy sector.

Critics from the right argue increased energy costs could cause decreased profits for certain manufacturers, trucking companies, and farms.

The Senate holds 30 seats, but 1 was vacant due to the death of Republican Jackie Winters.

[12][13][14][15] Additional threats against Oregon politicians and police were made on pro-Trump subreddit /r/The Donald.

[19] On June 26, 2019, Reddit quarantined the r/The_Donald subreddit, in part due to threats of violence made in the community in relation to the walkouts.

[28] Republicans have threatened to do another walkout during the 2022 legislative session if they feel that the proposed bills are partisan or rushed.