Vice President Kamala Harris' recent explanation for her changed position on fracking has done little to assuage the concerns of oil and gas advocates regarding her future energy policies as a potential president. While some green groups expressed disappointment in her, they acknowledged the political realities and the alternative that would come with a Donald Trump victory in the election.

During her interview with CNN on Thursday, the vice president reiterated that she no longer supports a fracking ban, a position she had championed during her previous presidential campaign in 2019. Harris cited President Joe Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, for which she cast the Senate's tie-breaking vote, as evidence of the potential for climate change and clean energy progress without banning fracking.

Harris emphasized, "What I have seen is that we can grow and foster a thriving clean energy economy without resorting to banning fracking." Her statement was welcomed by fossil fuel advocates, but they are cautious due to the lack of clarity on her stance regarding other energy issues. Dustin Meyer, head of policy at the American Petroleum Institute, pointed out the need for further details on Harris' overall vision for American energy.

One of the key areas where Harris' energy agenda remains blurry is her position on Biden administration pollution limits aimed at incentivizing Americans to purchase electric vehicles. Moreover, there are questions about how she would address congressional gridlock in expediting energy permits and whether she would lift or make permanent Biden's pause on new approvals for natural gas exports.

Environmentalists also expressed skepticism about Harris' fracking stance, but they continued to support her candidacy, recognizing the stark difference between her and Trump on environmental and climate protection matters. Jim Walsh, political director of Food & Water Action, which has endorsed Harris, stated, "We're disappointed that Harris has equivocated on the fracking issue, but overall, the gulf between her and Trump on matters of protecting our environment and climate couldn't be wider."

Harris and her campaign have been testing their messaging on issues like fracking, which has been a key factor in the fossil fuel boom in states such as Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Texas. In the lead-up to her CNN interview, Harris' campaign pointed to the record energy production achieved under the Biden administration as a response to questions about fracking. However, during the interview, Harris did not mention this talking point and instead asserted that her values remained consistent.

While Harris touted the Inflation Reduction Act as evidence of her commitment to climate action, it should be noted that the IRA does not set emissions reduction targets. However, it is projected to pave the way for a potential up to 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Harris also highlighted her tie-breaking vote that increased leases for fracking as vice president.

Fracking is a significant issue in Pennsylvania, a swing state crucial to Harris' electoral success, as it ranks second in natural gas production. President Trump has criticized Harris on fracking and energy issues and was set to hold a rally in the state. However, it is essential to note that only Congress, not the president, has the power to impose an outright fracking ban.

Many pro-fossil fuel groups are seeking more clarity from Harris on her specific energy stances. Tim Tarpley, president of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, emphasized the need for Harris to declare her support for domestic energy production and the men and women working in the industry. Kathleen Sgamma, president of the Western Energy Alliance, expressed concerns about Harris' remarks regarding the IRA's oil and gas provisions.

Some environmentalists find Harris' updated stance on fracking to be less ambitious than what is necessary to combat the climate crisis effectively. Collin Rees, political director of Oil Change U.S., stated, "Vice President Harris' comments were disappointing and a far cry from the real climate leadership we need." However, Rep. Jared Huffman, a prominent figure in climate action, affirmed his support for Harris, believing that the focus on fracking diminishes the urgency of transitioning to a clean energy economy.

In conclusion, Vice President Harris' recent explanation for her reversed stance on fracking has left oil and gas advocates uncertain about her future energy policies. While she emphasized the potential for a thriving clean energy economy without a fracking ban, questions remain regarding her positions on other energy issues. Environmentalists expressed disappointment but stressed the importance of her contrasting stance against Trump on climate and environmental matters. As the campaign progresses, Harris will undoubtedly face pressures to provide more clarity on her overall energy vision.