Kamala Harris Blasted Over Controversial Hire

Vice President Kamala Harris faces backlash for hiring a climate advisor with ties to controversial energy policies, raising concerns about the future direction of American energy.

At a Glance

Kamala Harris appointed Camila Thorndike, former Rewiring America official, as her campaign’s climate engagement director.
Thorndike’s background includes advocacy for policies promoting electrification and potential gas stove bans.
Critics argue the hire signals Harris’s alignment with far-left climate activism.
The appointment has sparked debate over energy independence and consumer choice.
Harris’s campaign faces scrutiny from energy advocacy groups and GOP members.

Harris’s Controversial Climate Hire Sparks Debate

Vice President Kamala Harris has ignited controversy by appointing Camila Thorndike as her “climate engagement director” for the 2024 presidential campaign. 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 decision has drawn sharp criticism from energy advocates and conservative leaders who view it as a potential threat to American energy independence and consumer choice.

Rewiring America, the organization Thorndike was associated with, has been at the forefront of efforts to ban gas stoves, citing health concerns. The group supports policies promoting green energy and reducing fossil fuel use, advocating for large-scale industrial mobilization. These policies have influenced the Biden-Harris administration, including elements of the Inflation Reduction Act.

NEW: Harris slammed for hiring advisor with ties to dark money group pushing gas stove ban: 'Par for the course'

“Camila Thorndike previously accused oil and gas industry of 'ecoterrorism'”https://t.co/zMYaesp8PO

— Conservative War Machine (@WarMachineRR) November 1, 2024

Concerns Over Energy Policy Direction

Critics argue that Harris’s hiring decision signals a potential shift towards more radical climate policies. Jason Isaac from the American Energy Institute expressed concern, stating, “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.”

The appointment of Thorndike has also raised questions about the influence of dark money in politics. Rewiring America is part of the Windward Fund, linked to a dark money network managed by Arabella Advisors. This connection has fueled concerns about the potential impact of special interest groups on energy policy decisions.

Implications for American Households

One of the most contentious issues surrounding Thorndike’s appointment is the potential push for a ban on gas stoves. This proposal has faced significant pushback from consumers and industry groups alike. The Department of Energy (DOE) has already introduced a gas stove efficiency rule, requiring modest improvements by 2028, but critics view this as a stepping stone to more restrictive measures.

O.H. Skinner from the Alliance for Consumers argues that these policies represent a broader trend of the left targeting consumer choices through regulations. This sentiment is echoed by many who fear that such measures could lead to increased costs for homeowners and limit personal freedoms in energy consumption.

Political Ramifications

The controversy surrounding Thorndike’s appointment is likely to intensify scrutiny of Harris’s campaign from pro-fossil fuel groups and Republican lawmakers. GOP investigations have already claimed that the anti-gas stove push bypasses congressional approval, raising concerns about executive overreach in environmental policy.

As the debate heats up, Harris’s campaign faces the challenge of balancing its climate agenda with the concerns of energy industry workers and consumers wary of rapid changes to their household utilities. The Vice President’s team has yet to respond to requests for comment on the controversy, leaving many questions unanswered about the future direction of American energy policy under a potential Harris administration.