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On this day, July 22, 2020, protesters broke into the Portland Police Association building, set it on fire and started dumpster fires late today, as demonstrations that have been taking place since the death of George Floyd intensified for another night. Navy veteran Christopher David (53), a peaceful protester, was hit with a baton five times by one of the militarized federal agents deployed by President Donald Trump. Another officer, wearing green military camouflage, a helmet and gas mask, sprayed David full in the face with what appears to be pepper gas. Video of the incident went viral. Federal authorities had assembled a force of 114 federal officers to protect US government buildings in Portland, in response to ongoing protests, unrest and violence there, as part of a mission dubbed "Operation Diligent Valor".
Democrats refuse to move bills out of committee
In recognition of Earth Day, Oregon House Republicans have attempted to withdraw five pieces of legislation that would have protected Oregon from future environmental hazards. Experts expect that more than 720,000 tons worth of wind turbine blades will end up in U.S. landfills over the next 20 years, and that 78 million tons of solar waste will end up in U.S. landfills over the next 25 years.
While none of the motions received the required 31 votes to withdraw the legislation, three of the five votes received bipartisan support.
- HB 2215 – Removes barriers to the production of nuclear energy in Oregon. Motion to withdraw from Climate, Energy, and Environment failed - Ayes, 23; Nays, 33.
- HB 2198 – Creates accountability for renewable energy project failures. Motion to withdraw from Climate, Energy, and Environment failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 26.
- HB 2702 – Requires renewable energy facilities that receive state assistance to provide maximum output for customers. Motion to withdraw from Climate, Energy, and Environment failed - Ayes, 23; Nays, 33.
- HB 2769 – Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to study the impact of electric vehicle battery disposal. Motion to withdraw from Climate, Energy, and Environment failed - Ayes, 27; Nays, 29.
- HB 2770 – Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to study the impact of waste from solar or wind renewable energy facilities. Motion to withdraw from Climate, Energy, and Environment failed - Ayes, 26; Nays, 30.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
“We cannot simultaneously claim to be moving towards a renewable energy future while having no plan to mitigate the potentially hazardous waste caused by these energy sources. We should be doing the responsible thing and understanding the ramifications of the policy we set,†said Co-Vice Chair of the Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee, Representative Bobby Levy (R-Echo) on the House floor. “I am disappointed that we had the option before us today to study the impacts of this growing energy sector and chose to disregard it.â€
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2023-04-24 17:05:49 | Last Update: 2023-04-28 15:33:29 |