New Climate Advisor in Harris’s Campaign Triggers Energy Policy Discussion

A woman speaking with an American flag in background.

Kamala Harris’s appointment of Camila Thorndike as climate advisor sparks controversy and raises concerns about future energy policies.

At a Glance

Kamala Harris hires Camila Thorndike, former Rewiring America official, as climate engagement director
Thorndike’s background in climate activism and ties to anti-fossil fuel groups draw criticism
Appointment raises concerns about potential shifts towards restrictive energy policies
Critics argue the move signals hostility towards American energy independence
Harris campaign faces scrutiny over alignment with controversial climate agenda

Controversial Appointment Raises Eyebrows

Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign has stirred controversy by appointing Camila Thorndike as its climate engagement director. Thorndike, a veteran of the far-left climate movement, previously worked at Rewiring America, a nonprofit advocating for the complete electrification of the U.S. economy. This appointment has drawn sharp criticism from energy industry proponents and conservative commentators, who view it as a signal of potential shifts towards restrictive energy policies under Harris’s leadership.

Thorndike’s background includes work with Bernie Sanders and the Sunrise Movement, further fueling concerns about her influence on Harris’s climate agenda. Critics argue that this hiring decision reflects a broader trend within the Biden-Harris administration of aligning with anti-fossil fuel activists and pursuing aggressive climate policies.

Rewiring America’s Controversial Stance

Rewiring America, Thorndike’s former employer, has been at the center of efforts to promote green energy and reduce fossil fuel use. The group has advocated for controversial policies, including the push to ban gas stoves, citing health concerns. This stance has been met with significant pushback from Republican attorneys general and energy advocacy groups, who view such proposals as government overreach into consumer choice and free markets.

“We will need to triple the amount of electricity delivered in the U.S. and we’ll discover that the moonshot engineering project we need is a new grid with new operating rules, more like the Internet. We must have ‘grid neutrality,'” said Saul Griffith, co-founder of Rewiring America, highlighting the group’s ambitious vision for America’s energy future.

The organization’s influence extends beyond policy advocacy. Rewiring America has played a role in shaping Biden-Harris administration policies, including aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act. This connection has raised questions about the extent to which Thorndike’s appointment might further amplify the group’s influence on national energy policy.

Criticism and Concerns

The appointment has drawn sharp rebuke from various quarters. Jason Isaac from the American Energy Institute argued that Harris’s decision shows hostility towards American energy independence. “If her campaign’s staff is any indication, we can expect Harris to continue pushing policies that harm American energy independence and target the livelihoods of countless workers,” Isaac stated.

Daniel Turner of Power the Future echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Harris’s actions align closely with the Biden administration’s climate agenda. “We don’t need her words. Her actions say everything,” Turner remarked, implying that the appointment speaks louder than any campaign promises.

Harris campaign poaches aide from climate group tied to anti-gas stoves push https://t.co/QIhm6TMLMv

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) September 8, 2024

Implications for Harris’s Campaign

The controversy surrounding Thorndike’s appointment may lead to increased scrutiny of Harris’s campaign from pro-fossil fuel groups and the GOP. It also raises questions about the campaign’s strategy in balancing environmental aspirations with energy sustainability and economic concerns.

Despite the criticism, Thorndike expressed enthusiasm for her new role, referring to Harris as a “future climate champion-in-chief.” This characterization is likely to further intensify the debate over the campaign’s energy policy direction.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Harris’s climate policy stance, as reflected by this appointment, will undoubtedly remain a focal point of political discourse and voter consideration. The campaign’s ability to navigate these contentious issues may prove crucial in shaping public perception and electoral outcomes.