Harris faces skepticism from Pennsylvania voters over fracking stance

Kamala Harris’s history of opposing fracking is a sticking point for many Pennsylvania voters whose livelihoods depend on natural gas.

Evan Halper reports for The Washington Post.


In short:

  • Harris’s previous support for a fracking ban may alienate voters in Pennsylvania, a state where natural gas is economically vital.
  • Despite the Biden-Harris administration’s record on energy production, swing voters remain skeptical of Harris’s commitment to the industry.
  • The selection of Tim Walz as her running mate, a strong advocate for green energy, further complicates her appeal to these voters.

Key quote:

“There’s already uncertainty with just what does she believe, what she would do.”

— Jeff Nobers, excecutive director of the coalition of union and business leaders Pittsburgh Works Together.

Why this matters:

Winning Pennsylvania is crucial for Democrats, and Harris’s past anti-fracking stance could impact the 2024 election outcome. Balancing green energy goals with economic realities in fossil fuel-dependent states remains a significant challenge for future administrations.

Wetlands with green trees, fields and cloud dotted sky.

The next deluge may go differently

Explore how Wisconsin Wetlands Funding aids in restoring ecosystems and managing floodwaters effectively across the region.
Scene of destructive aftermath of Florida hurricane
Credit: Photo by David Sterphone)/Florida National Guard https://www.flickr.com/photos/thenationalguard/ Creative Commons https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

The hidden devastation of hurricanes

Their health effects extend far beyond official death tolls.
shallow focus of person holding a narrow mirror reflecting their eye.

The last frontier of empathy: why we still struggle to see ourselves as animals

Champions of exceptionalism say humans hold a unique moral status. Yet there’s only one species recklessly destroying the planet it needs to survive.

A boat with green fishing nets alongside a dock.

Opinion: How a Texas shrimper stalled Exxon’s $10bn plastics plant

Diane Wilson recognized Exxon’s playbook – and showed how local people can take on even the most entrenched industries.

A palm with fingers splayed planted in the middle of a large green leaf.

Two ways of knowing: How merging science and Indigenous wisdom fuels new discoveries

What becomes possible when we combine the strengths of western science and Indigenous knowledge systems as we navigate humanity’s biggest challenges?

A woman in a beanie cap lays on leaves and grass looking at the sky on a cloudy day.

Is ‘imagination activism’ the antidote to climate doom we’ve been looking for?

A new exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, asks, what if the most radical climate tool isn't technology, but the ability to dream?
prticipants at the entrance to COP 30 pavilion
Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/isostandards/ Creative Commons: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Cop30 draft text omits mention of fossil fuel phase-out roadmap

Summit leadership releases new text despite 29 nations threatening to block progress without commitment.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.