Kamala Harris’ choice of climate advisor is probably not someone we would want to go camping with. The sight of a gas stove may cause them great anxiety. However, Vice President Harris believes that if she is elected president, this person would be an excellent climate advisor for her administration. Camela Thorndike was part of the group that attempted to prohibit gas stoves. Critics claim that the appointment signals potential restrictions on conventional energy sources.
Harris’ Climate Advisor Choice Sparks Debate
Vice President Kamala Harris has named Camila Thorndike as her “climate engagement director” for her 2024 presidential campaign, sparking controversy and raising concerns about potential energy policy changes. Thorndike, a longtime member of the far-left climate movement, previously worked at Rewiring America, a nonprofit that advocates for the electrification of the US economy.
Conservatives and energy advocates have criticized Harris’ appointment, seeing it as a sign of her potential alignment with anti-fossil fuel activists. Rewiring America has been central to efforts to ban gas stoves, citing health concerns, and it supports policies that promote green energy while reducing fossil fuel use.
Kamala Harris's new "climate engagement director" was a top official at the group that pushed to ban gas stoves. story from @ThomasCatenacci https://t.co/kp8IN6OYqM
— Chuck Ross (@ChuckRossDC) September 6, 2024
Concerns Over Consumer Choice and Economic Impact
Critics argue that Harris’ choice of advisor may result in policies that limit consumer appliance options and have an impact on American jobs. According to O.H. Skinner of the Alliance for Consumers, the left is targeting consumer choices with regulations, while Jason Isaac of the American Energy Institute believes Harris’ hiring decision demonstrates hostility toward American energy.
“If Harris’ campaign staff is any indication, we can expect her to continue pushing policies that undermine American energy independence and jeopardize the livelihoods of countless workers.” – Jason Isaac
The Department of Energy has proposed a gas stove efficiency rule that requires modest improvements by 2028, but restrictions on gas stoves remain unpopular. Republican attorneys general and energy advocacy groups see such proposals as an infringement on the free market.
Harris campaign poaches aide from climate group tied to anti-gas stoves push https://t.co/QIhm6TMLMv
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) September 8, 2024
Links to Dark Money and Climate Activism
Thorndike previously worked for Rewiring America, which is part of the Windward Fund, which is linked to an Arabella Advisors-managed dark money network. This link has raised concerns about the impact of undisclosed donors on climate policy. Thorndike’s climate activism experience includes work with Bernie Sanders and the Sunrise Movement, which raises concerns about the possibility of radical policy shifts.
The Harris campaign pledges not to ban fracking and instead aims to cut energy costs while investing in clean energy. However, critics argue that her actions, including the hiring of Thorndike, indicate a different agenda. Daniel Turner of Power the Future chastised Harris for hiring climate radicals, claiming her actions were consistent with the Biden administration’s climate agenda.
Implications for Future Energy Policies
As the energy policy debate heats up, Harris’ hiring decision may come under increased scrutiny from pro-fossil fuel groups and the Republican Party. According to Republican investigations, the anti-gas stove campaign circumvents congressional approval, raising concerns about executive overreach in climate policy implementation.
“We fully expect that a Harris-Walz administration would continue the exact same policies of the Biden-Harris administration” – Kathleen Sgamma
The controversy surrounding Thorndike’s appointment highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing environmental goals, economic interests, and consumer preferences. As the 2024 presidential campaign heats up, energy policy is likely to remain a contentious issue, with Harris’ selection of a climate advisor serving as a focal point for debate.
