By Chris Robertson, news reporter
State Republicans in Oregon are being hunted by police after fleeing the Capitol last week over a bill that aims to fight greenhouse gas emissions.
Sunday marked the fourth day in a row that the politicians had failed to turn up for work, meaning proceedings in the Capitol could not take place.
The group fled the Capitol last Thursday in an attempt to stop the Democrat majority voting on legislation that would take action on climate change and lower emissions by 2050.
They want the proposals, known as "cap-and-trade", to be voted on by the public, rather than politicians, however talks broke down on Wednesday evening, leading the group to take drastic action.
The walk out means that the Democrats, who hold an 18 to 11 majority in the Capitol, are unable to conduct any business, as they need 20 members present in the chamber to start proceedings.
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After the state's GOP walked out, Oregon Governor Kate Brown deployed the police, in an effort to round up the 11 unruly lawmakers.
A spokeswoman for the party confirmed that some members had left the state to avoid the vote, as Oregon police have no jurisdiction outside the state.
More from Oregon
On Friday, the Democrats said a $500 (£392) fine would be imposed on Republicans for each day they fail to turn up to the chamber.
Republicans hit back, saying they would sue if such a threat was carried through.
:: A New Climate is a special series of podcasts from Sky News Daily. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The state Capitol in Salem is also facing growing anti-government protests outside, and had to close completely on Saturday due to a "possible militia threat" from demonstrators – some of which reportedly have a history of armed anti-government protesting.
Some of the protesters even offered to provide escorts for the missing Republicans, should the state police come for them.
However, the GOP tweeted that there were no armed protesters, suggesting the threat had been fabricated.
By Chris Robertson, news reporter
State Republicans in Oregon are being hunted by police after fleeing the Capitol last week over a bill that aims to fight greenhouse gas emissions.
Sunday marked the fourth day in a row that the politicians had failed to turn up for work, meaning proceedings in the Capitol could not take place.
The group fled the Capitol last Thursday in an attempt to stop the Democrat majority voting on legislation that would take action on climate change and lower emissions by 2050.
They want the proposals, known as "cap-and-trade", to be voted on by the public, rather than politicians, however talks broke down on Wednesday evening, leading the group to take drastic action.
The walk out means that the Democrats, who hold an 18 to 11 majority in the Capitol, are unable to conduct any business, as they need 20 members present in the chamber to start proceedings.
Advertisement
After the state's GOP walked out, Oregon Governor Kate Brown deployed the police, in an effort to round up the 11 unruly lawmakers.
A spokeswoman for the party confirmed that some members had left the state to avoid the vote, as Oregon police have no jurisdiction outside the state.
More from Oregon
On Friday, the Democrats said a $500 (£392) fine would be imposed on Republicans for each day they fail to turn up to the chamber.
Republicans hit back, saying they would sue if such a threat was carried through.
:: A New Climate is a special series of podcasts from Sky News Daily. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The state Capitol in Salem is also facing growing anti-government protests outside, and had to close completely on Saturday due to a "possible militia threat" from demonstrators – some of which reportedly have a history of armed anti-government protesting.
Some of the protesters even offered to provide escorts for the missing Republicans, should the state police come for them.
However, the GOP tweeted that there were no armed protesters, suggesting the threat had been fabricated.
