In a CNN interview on Thursday, 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris discussed her shift in stance on fracking. She acknowledged reversing her earlier support for a fracking ban from 2019 and attributed the change to her experience as Vice President.
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CNN host and Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash asked Harris, “You supported the Green New Deal in Congress, and in 2019, you stated you were in favor of banning fracking. Given that fracking is a major issue in Pennsylvania, do you still advocate for a ban?”
Harris responded, “No. I made it clear on the debate stage in 2020 that I would not ban fracking. As Vice President, I did not ban fracking, and as President, I will not ban fracking.”
Bash then questioned, “In 2019, you were asked at a town hall if you would commit to a federal ban on fracking on your first day in office, and you said, 'There’s no question, I’m in favor of banning fracking.' So, has your position changed since then?”
Harris replied, “In 2020, I clarified my stance, and I have not changed that position since. I have kept my word, and I will continue to do so.”
When Bash asked what prompted the change in her position, Harris said, “My values have not changed. I believe it’s crucial to address the climate crisis effectively. We’ve made significant progress with the Inflation Reduction Act and investments in clean energy, creating over 300,000 new jobs. My experience as Vice President, including casting a tie-breaking vote to increase fracking leases, has reinforced that we can achieve our clean energy goals without banning fracking.”
Bash followed up, asking if there was specific policy or scientific data that influenced her change in stance. Harris responded, “I have seen that we can expand a thriving clean energy economy without needing to ban fracking.”