Vice President Kamala Harris has clarified that she will not impose a ban on hydraulic fracking if elected president, marking a significant shift from her previous stance. Revently, Harris stated, “As vice president, I did not ban fracking. As president, I will not ban fracking.” This statement comes as a response to mounting pressure and criticism, particularly from Republicans, who argue that Harris’s evolving position represents an extreme energy policy that could jeopardize jobs and increase gasoline prices.
The issue is particularly pertinent in Pennsylvania, a major natural gas producer and crucial swing state. Republican rival Donald Trump has leveraged Harris’s changing stance to criticize her energy policy. Despite these attacks, Harris remains confident that the U.S. can achieve its climate goals without a fracking ban, highlighting the clean energy incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This legislation has spurred investment in renewable technologies such as solar panels and batteries.
Harris’s current position contrasts sharply with her 2019 campaign remarks, where she expressed strong support for a fracking ban. After Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, Harris’s campaign clarified that she would not advocate for a ban but would support stricter regulations.
Hydraulic fracking, which involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals underground to extract oil and gas, accounts for approximately 95% of U.S. wells and has faced opposition due to environmental concerns and potential groundwater contamination. Harris emphasized her support for the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes measures to increase oil and gas leasing on federal lands, and noted her role in casting the tie-breaking vote to expand such leases during her vice presidency.
Related topic:
How Long Can You Keep Fuel In A Jerry Can?
