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.

Two men painting a mural on a concrete wall of an African hut and village scene

Middle East conflict exposes Africa’s fossil fuel risks & the case for clean energy

If the ongoing conflict continues, energy prices could spike, driving up costs across African economies, which heavily rely on imported oil and gas.

Entrance sign to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
Credit: Melissa Kopka/BigStock Photo ID: 259884463

Republicans target public lands protections in a new way

Republicans in Congress want to allow more mining and oil drilling on federal public lands, and they’ve recently turned to an obscure legislative maneuver to open areas for business.
A woman at the front of a protest holding a microphone

Women bear the brunt of climate change. Meet the green politicians determined to change that

For International Women’s Day, Euronews Green highlighted some of the female politicians spearheading the never-ending fight against climate change.

A row of trees ready to be planted

Study maps tree-planting risks and rewards for climate and biodiversity

Establishing forests can capture carbon and boost biodiversity — but some biomes are a better bet than others.

Red sky reflected in a pink-tinged ocean

Testing the waters: can pumping chemicals into the ocean help stop global heating?

To some it was a reckless experiment but scientists hope the dispersal of 65,000 litres of sodium hydroxide into the Gulf of Maine could ease the climate crisis.

A view of an iceberg from the side, showing the ice above and below the water line
Credit: Victor/Unsplash+

This iceberg was once the biggest in the world. Now it has just weeks left

A23a was once twice the size of Greater London but now its 40-year journey is coming to an end.
Hail stones on green grass

A warmer climate means bigger hail

New attribution research shows how extra heat in the atmosphere can turn thunderstorms into factories for dangerous, softball-size hail.
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.