A five-year-old video featuring Vice President Harris advocating for a fracking ban resurfaced on social media over the weekend. This issue has been a recurring challenge in her presidential campaign. During a September 2019 appearance on the “Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, Harris stated, “Climate change is the single greatest threat facing our world today. That’s why I am committed to passing a Green New Deal, creating clean jobs, and finally putting an end to fracking once and for all.”
At that time, Harris was a California senator and a Democratic presidential candidate. She reiterated her support for a fracking ban during a CNN town hall earlier that same month, asserting there was “no question” she favoured banning the practice. Conservative commentators rediscovered her “Tonight Show” appearance over the weekend, where she also backed the Green New Deal, a proposal championed by progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The fracking ban issue has been particularly contentious for Harris. Last month, she reversed her stance, stating during a CNN interview, “What I have seen is that we can grow, and we can increase a clean energy economy without banning fracking.”
pic.twitter.com/z1TUSKlflm Let’s take a trip back to 2019 when Harris was on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. This is as close as we have to some policy positions. Out of the horse’s mouth:
— Politics, Policies & Pop Culture 🇺🇸🌎 (@out2sea90210) September 22, 2024
The fracking debate is especially significant in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state where natural gas extraction provides employment and has widespread support. Harris currently leads in Pennsylvania by less than one point, with 48.3% support compared to former President Trump’s 47.6%, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average. Trump has used Harris’ previous support for a fracking ban to argue that “fracking in Pennsylvania will end on day one” if she becomes president.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Vice President Harris say about fracking on the Tonight Show?
Harris supported banning fracking and endorsed the Green New Deal.
Has Kamala Harris always opposed fracking?
No, she recently reversed her stance, saying fracking can coexist with a clean energy economy.
Why is the issue of fracking significant in Pennsylvania?
Fracking is a key source of employment and enjoys broad support in Pennsylvania.
How does Harris’ stance on fracking affect her polling in Pennsylvania?
Harris holds a narrow lead of less than one point over Trump in Pennsylvania.
What has Trump said about Harris’ position on fracking?
Trump claimed that fracking in Pennsylvania would end on day one if Harris is elected.
