Vice President Kamala Harris made headlines in September 2024 in the presidential debate flip-flopping on fracking, which is probably among the hottest words in U.S. energy politics. Once supporting the ban on fracking, she has turned now and is for more domestic oil and gas production toward the country’s quest for energy independence and economic growth.
Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a technology that retrieves deposits of oil and natural gas from underground rock. The debate highlighted a stark reversal of Harris’s previous stance, which had been criticized during the 2019 presidential race. What does this move presage about the politics of energy in the United States, and why is fracking such an important issue?
What is Fracking?
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a method that frees oil and natural gas from the fuels stored in deep-rock formations. It involves forcing a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into the rock at high pressure to part the rock and unleash the bound resources. The fracking method has changed the energy landscape in the United States by opening massive supplies of natural gas and oil, particularly in areas such as the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and the Permian Basin in Texas.
Key Benefits of Fracking:
- Energy Independence: Fracking has allowed the U.S. to reduce its reliance on foreign oil, making it a net exporter of energy.
- Economic Growth: The technology has created jobs, boosted local economies, and driven down the cost of natural gas.
- Lower Emissions: Natural gas, often extracted through fracking, emits less carbon dioxide than coal, making it a preferred option in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Criticisms of Fracking:
- Environmental Concerns: Critics argue that fracking can cause groundwater contamination, induce earthquakes, and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Health Risks: Some studies have linked fracking to negative health outcomes in communities near drilling sites, including respiratory issues and contaminated drinking water.
What is Fracking Politics?
Fracking politics describes the political debate and the policies adopted relevant to the use of hydraulic fracturing in the U.S. Fracking has grown to be over time a highly divisive issue and has involved those battleground states like Pennsylvania, in which natural gas drilling also forms an important part of the economy.
Political Divides:
- Democratic Position: For years, many Democrats in Congress, particularly progressives, have criticized fracking out of concerns for the environment. But others like Harris have changed course to support it in the interests of energy security and job creation.
- Republican Position: Republicans generally advocate for expanded fracking, arguing that it is essential for economic growth, job creation, and energy independence. They view fracking as a cornerstone of U.S. energy policy.
Fracking’s Role in Elections:
Fracking is a big determinant in the elections, especially for swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where the industry has firm roots in the local economy. Politicians have to weigh environmental concerns with the financial gain brought in through fracking.
Kamala Harris’ Shift on Fracking
In 2019, Kamala Harris embraced a fracking ban, aligning herself with the most progressive elements of the Democratic Party. This stance mirrored an evolving concern about the environmental and health consequences associated with the practice. However, during the 2024 presidential debate, Harris flipped course: she said she supported fracking, but as part of a larger energy strategy.
Reasons for the Shift:
- Energy Independence: Harris emphasized the need to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil, particularly in the wake of global energy market disruptions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
- Economic Considerations: With fracking playing a critical role in job creation in key states, Harris positioned herself as supportive of domestic oil and gas production to safeguard American jobs.
- Political Calculations: Pennsylvania, a major fracking hub, is a must-win state in the 2024 election. Harris’ shift may reflect an effort to appeal to voters who rely on the industry for their livelihood.
Fracking and the Biden Administration
Harris’s revised position on fracking aligns with the energy policy of the Biden administration, which has adopted a moderate balance. Although the administration has been a big proponent of clean energy policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), it has also supported domestic oil and gas development.
Inflation Reduction Act and Energy Policy:
The largest climate change spending plan in American history was the main pitch for the IRA, which President Biden approved in 2022. During the debate, Harris drew attention to a particular aspect of the law, namely its support for domestic oil and gas production. In addition to providing substantial support for sustainable energy technologies, the law, according to Harris, opened the door for the “largest increase in domestic oil production in history.”
The Future of Fracking and U.S. Energy Policy
Fracking will no doubt continue to be one of the most contentious issues in energy policy for the foreseeable future. Indeed, with global energy markets changing and concerns about global warming mounting, the fracking debate has only just begun to get complicated.
Challenges Ahead:
- Environmental Regulations: If Harris is elected, she may face pressure from progressives within the Democratic Party to impose stricter regulations on fracking, even as she supports the practice for energy security.
- Republican Pushback: A future Republican administration, particularly under Donald Trump, would likely seek to further expand fracking and roll back environmental regulations imposed by the Biden administration.
- Market Dynamics: While policy is important, the oil and gas market is driven largely by global supply and demand. Regardless of political positions, market forces will continue to shape the future of fracking.
The Role of Fracking in the 2024 Election
Fracking is more than just an energy concern; it’s a political one. Pennsylvania and Ohio will both be crucial in determining the 2024 outcome, so fracking supporters within the parties have framed their messages to attract voters in those states. Harris’ flip on fracking is a clear indication of how much the political ground has shifted since the 2020 election.
Trump’s Attack on Harris’ Fracking Position
But Trump spent much of the debate targeting Harris for her stance on fracking and vowed her policies would kill the oil and gas industry. He characterized a Harris presidency as a “death of oil” presidency, returning again and again to the issue of fracking throughout the night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why did Kamala Harris reverse her position on fracking?
A: Kamala Harris shifted her position on fracking to align with broader energy security goals and the economic importance of domestic oil and gas production, particularly in key states like Pennsylvania.
Q: What is fracking?
A: Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a method of extracting oil and natural gas from underground rock formations using a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals.
Q: How does fracking impact the U.S. economy?
A: Fracking has boosted the U.S. economy by creating jobs, reducing energy costs, and making the country a net exporter of oil and natural gas.
Q: Is fracking harmful to the environment?
A: Fracking has been criticized for causing environmental harm, including groundwater contamination, methane emissions, and induced seismic activity.
Kamala Harris’ flip on fracking epitomizes the very complicated piece that is energy politics in the United States. Fracking will continue to drive policy debate and sentiment heading into 2024. The subjects have been wide-ranging: energy independence, environmental concerns, and economic growth, while fracking remains at the core of the United States’ energy policy.