Hundreds of truckers convoy against emissions bill
A massive group of truckers, loggers, farmers, and their family members descended on the state capitol in Oregon today to protest a controversial emissions bill.
On Thursday, June 27, truckers from across the state of Oregon joined loggers, farmers, and ranchers to gather at the state capitol building in Salem to protest H.B. 2020 — a emissions lowering cap and trade bill that they say would result in higher fuel costs and could even cause job cuts.
Impressive convoy of truckers leaving in Roseburg this morning. Hundreds headed for Salem to protest House Bill 2020, the proposed cap and trade law they say threatens their livelihoods. @nrtoday #HB2020 #Oregon11 pic.twitter.com/nkTuCXaEAW
— Jon Mitchell (@byJonMitchell) June 27, 2019
According to local news station KZEI, at least 300 trucks convoyed on I-5 to Salem as part of the protest activities. Douglas County commissioner Chris Boice said that the convoy was 13 miles long, according to NR Today.
The rally participants parked at the fairgrounds in Salem and were bussed to the capitol. The total number of participants on foot at the capitol is estimated in the thousands, according to local news outlets.
The protesters are organized by a group called #TimberUnity, and they say that they rallied in order to show support for eleven Republican senators who have refused to vote on the bill by walking out eight days ago. Oregon’s Governor Brown even sent State Troopers to try to collect the senators and force them into voting last week, but so far, all eleven senators stand firm in their refusal to return to Salem.
The legislative session ends on Sunday, so lawmakers only have a few more days to pass H.B. 2020.
This is the second major convoy against H.B. 2020. The first happened on June 19 — you can click here to read more.