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Vice President Kamala Harris Defends Her Fracking Position Amid Controversy
This week, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed an advertisement that features a clip from her previous statements on fracking, asserting that it misrepresents her views and is designed to instill fear regarding her potential presidency.
In an interview with CBS Pittsburgh’s Jon Delano, Harris was pressed to clarify her stance on fracking—a subject that has drawn accusations of inconsistency over time. The discussion arose from a political ad referencing her 2019 remarks where she expressed support for banning fracking. The ad contends that her presidency could endanger over 300,000 jobs in Pennsylvania due to such a ban.
The interviewer stated, “There’s a political ad on TV from a 2019 climate town hall meeting, in which you basically said, ‘There’s no question I’m in favor of banning fracking.’” He then asked her if her viewpoint on the matter has shifted and the reasoning behind it.
Clarifying Her Position
“Let me start by stating that the ad you mentioned is absolutely a mischaracterization, intended to make people fearful of my presidency,” Harris responded firmly.
She emphasized her consistency on the issue, saying, “I want to be absolutely clear, as I’ve stated in 2020, I will not ban fracking. I did not as vice president. In fact, I cast the tie-breaking vote to open up more fracking leases,” referencing the Inflation Reduction Act that she played a crucial role in passing.
Harris reflected on a 2020 vice presidential debate, where she was questioned about her past stance on fracking but primarily reiterated the position of then-candidate Joe Biden. “Joe Biden will not end fracking. He has been very clear about that,” she remarked, reiterating the commitment made to voters during that election cycle.
Investing in Communities
During her recent remarks, Harris shared her broader perspective on energy policy, indicating that a ban on fracking isn’t necessary to advance a clean energy agenda. “My perspective on this is grounded in a number of factors, including that we don’t have to ban fracking to do the necessary work to also invest in a clean energy economy,” she explained.
Furthermore, she made specific commitments aimed at rural communities, stating, “I’m going to bring jobs back to rural communities. I’m going to make sure that we invest in those communities that have done the kind of work that you have in mind when you talk about Pittsburgh and the wider region of Pennsylvania.” She concluded with reassurance about her stance, stating, “As President of the United States, I will not ban fracking.”
This ongoing discourse reflects a pivotal issue in the evolving energy landscape, showcasing not only the challenges politicians face in addressing climate change but also the intricate balance between environmental initiatives and economic stability, particularly in regions reliant on traditional energy sectors. As the election approaches, this topic is likely to remain at the forefront of political debate.
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