The appointment of Camila Thorndike as Kamala Harris’s principal climate advisor raises questions about the future of America’s energy policies.
At a Glance
- Camila Thorndike appointed as Harris’s “climate engagement director” sparks controversy.
- Thorndike’s past with Rewiring America suggests alignment with anti-fossil fuel policies.
- Concerns over potential gas stove restrictions and other impacts on consumer products.
- Supporters of traditional energy fear threats to energy independence and jobs.
Camila Thorndike’s Appointment
Kamala Harris has appointed Camila Thorndike as her “climate engagement director” for the 2024 presidential campaign.
Thorndike, known for her activism in the far-left climate movement, has been a vocal advocate for policies promoting the electrification of homes.
Critics argue that her role indicates Harris’s potential alignment with anti-fossil fuel activists and questions the focus on gas stove regulations.
Harris campaign poaches aide from climate group tied to anti-gas stoves push https://t.co/QIhm6TMLMv
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) September 8, 2024
Impact on Energy Policies
Rewiring America, Thorndike’s former organization, advocates for reducing fossil fuel use. This nonprofit has been instrumental in promoting gas stove bans due to health concerns.
“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,’” – Saul Griffith
Dissatisfied parties argue such policies compromise national energy independence. The narrative includes concerns over the potential for wide-reaching impact on traditional energy sources.
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
Response and Criticism
Thorndike expressed enthusiasm for her new role, describing Harris as a “future climate champion-in-chief.”
“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.” – Jason Isaac
Conservative circles criticize Harris for aligning with figures linked to efforts perceived as targeting American energy independence and consumer choice.
Sources
2. Kamala Harris Hires Top Official From Climate Group Behind Gas Stove Crackdown