Vice President Kamala Harris’s environmental stance faces scrutiny as climate groups pour millions into her campaign despite her fracking policy reversal.
At a Glance
- Climate activist groups launch $55 million ad campaign supporting Harris
- Harris backed off previous vow to ban fracking after joining Democratic ticket
- Environmental organizations continue robust financial support despite policy shift
- Activists view Harris as strong ally on broader climate issues despite fracking stance
Climate Groups Rally Behind Harris Despite Fracking Reversal
In a surprising turn of events, environmental groups are throwing their full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, even after her notable shift on fracking policy. A coalition of climate activist nonprofits has announced a massive $55 million ad campaign to boost Harris’s bid for the White House, signaling unwavering backing from the green movement.
This robust support comes despite Harris’s reversal on fracking, a controversial oil and gas extraction method. During her own presidential campaign, Harris had vowed to ban fracking, stating, “I’m committed to passing a Green New Deal, creating clean jobs and finally putting an end to fracking once and for all.” However, after joining the Democratic ticket, she backed away from this hardline stance, drawing criticism from some environmental purists.
Environmental Track Record Outweighs Policy Shift
Climate activists argue that Harris’s broader environmental record and commitment to addressing climate change far outweigh her stance on fracking. Her history of environmental advocacy dates back to her time as San Francisco’s district attorney and continued through her tenure as California’s Attorney General, where she pursued cases against oil companies.
“Vice President Harris will deliver,” Natural Resources Defense Council president Manish Bapna wrote in a recent blog post endorsing Harris. “There’s no leader anywhere who is better prepared, more deeply committed, and more adept at what’s required to champion the climate action we need. In two decades of public service on the frontlines of climate and justice progress, Kamala Harris has stood up for the kind of future we must create.”
This sentiment is echoed by many in the environmental community who see Harris as a key ally in the fight against climate change. Her role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes significant climate provisions, has further solidified her credentials among green advocates.
Kamala Harris can’t have it both ways.
How can you support the Green New Deal and not oppose fracking?
That’s B.S.! pic.twitter.com/MfgcQ7IDEl
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 18, 2024
Contrasting Environmental Visions
As the 2024 election approaches, Harris is expected to focus on contrasting her climate policies with those of her likely opponent, former President Donald Trump. The Trump campaign has already begun criticizing Harris’s past support for aggressive climate policies, attempting to paint her as extreme on environmental issues.
“It’s disappointing to hear that Vice-President Harris say that she no longer supports a ban on fracking,” said Mitch Jones, deputy director of Food & Water Action. “Still, there are massive differences between her positions on key climate and environmental issues and those espoused by [Donald] Trump.”
Despite the controversy surrounding her fracking stance, Harris continues to receive endorsements from prominent environmental figures. Former Vice President Al Gore has called her a “climate champion,” highlighting the broader support she maintains within the green movement.
FACT: Green groups know Kamala Harris's recent flip on banning fracking will flop back if she is president.https://t.co/jNvISoTtUN
— American Commitment (@AmerComm) July 30, 2024
Looking Ahead: Harris’s Environmental Agenda
If elected, Harris has pledged to build on the Biden administration’s climate record, with a particular focus on environmental justice issues. Her campaign emphasizes her ability to communicate the benefits of clean energy investments and her commitment to holding fossil fuel companies legally accountable for their role in climate change.
As the election draws nearer, it remains to be seen how Harris will navigate the delicate balance between appeasing environmental purists and appealing to a broader electorate, particularly in swing states where fracking is an economic issue. What is clear, however, is that despite her policy shift on fracking, Harris continues to enjoy strong support from the environmental community, who see her as their best hope for meaningful climate action in the White House.
Sources
- Anti-Oil Groups, Undeterred by Harris’s U-Turn on Fracking, Spend Big To Boost Her Campaign
- Kamala Harris will not ban fracking if she wins White House, campaign says
- In Pennsylvania, Harris can’t shake her anti-fracking past
- Climate activists rally around Harris, seeing a chance to build on Biden’s record
- Kamala Harris will not ban fracking if she wins White House, campaign says
- Harris Stirs Hope for a New Chapter in Climate Action
- Environmental groups ‘ecstatic’ over Kamala Harris’ candidacy and California climate record
