Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent shift in her stance on fracking has drawn mixed reactions from fossil fuel advocates and environmentalists as she campaigns for the presidency. During a CNN interview, Harris reversed her previous support for a fracking ban, a position she had championed during her 2019 presidential run. This shift comes as Harris emphasizes the achievements of the Biden administration, particularly the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as evidence that a thriving clean energy economy can coexist with fracking.
Fossil Fuel Advocates Welcome Shift But Demand Clarity
Fossil fuel industry representatives have welcomed Harris’ softened stance on fracking but remain concerned about her positions on other critical energy issues. Dustin Meyer, head of policy at the American Petroleum Institute, acknowledged the positive change in Harris’ view but highlighted the need for clarity on her overall energy policy.
Key issues include Harris’ stance on pollution limits aimed at boosting electric vehicle adoption, her approach to unblocking congressional gridlock on energy permits, and her position on natural gas exports. Similarly, Tim Tarpley, president of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, urged Harris to provide more explicit support for domestic energy production, beyond just not banning fracking.
Environmentalists Disappointed but Remain Supportive
Environmental groups have expressed disappointment in Harris’ change of heart on fracking, though they continue to support her candidacy in light of the stark contrast between her and Donald Trump on environmental issues. Jim Walsh, political director of Food & Water Action, criticized Harris for wavering on fracking but acknowledged the political necessity of her position given the stakes of the upcoming election.
Collin Rees, political director of Oil Change U.S., described Harris’ comments as falling short of the bold climate action needed to address the crisis. Despite these criticisms, some environmental advocates, like RL Miller of Climate Hawks Vote, believe Harris’ approach is pragmatic and aligned with the broader goal of transitioning to clean energy.
Harris Focuses on Energy Production Achievements
Harris’ campaign has consistently highlighted the record levels of oil and gas production under the Biden administration as evidence of her commitment to maintaining energy security while pursuing clean energy goals. This strategy seeks to counteract Trump’s narrative that energy production would be significantly higher under his leadership.
As the campaign progresses, Harris will likely need to further clarify her energy policy to address the concerns of both industry stakeholders and environmentalists. The balance she strikes on these issues could be pivotal in swing states like Pennsylvania, where fracking plays a significant role in the local economy and voter sentiment.
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