Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign faces scrutiny as a newly appointed adviser is linked to a group advocating for gas stove bans.
At a Glance
- Camila Thorndike, Harris’s new “climate engagement director,” has ties to a group pushing for gas stove bans
- Thorndike previously worked with Rewiring America, a group known for its anti-gas stove stance
- Critics argue the appointment signals a continuation of policies harmful to American energy independence
- Conservatives express concern over the impact on consumer choice and energy costs
Harris Campaign’s Controversial Hire
Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has come under fire for appointing Camila Thorndike as its “climate engagement director.” Thorndike’s background and affiliations have raised eyebrows among conservatives and energy industry advocates, particularly given her connections to Rewiring America, a group known for its aggressive stance against gas stoves and fossil fuels.
Thorndike’s appointment has sparked concern among those who fear the Biden-Harris administration may continue to push policies that could limit consumer choice and increase energy costs. O.H. Skinner from the Alliance for Consumers criticized the move, stating, “This is sadly par for the course.”
Implications for Energy Policy
The controversial hiring decision has led to speculation about the future direction of energy policy under a potential Harris administration. Former Texas Representative Jason Isaac expressed his concerns about the appointment’s broader implications.
“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. This isn’t just about gas stoves. It’s a coordinated effort to undermine affordable, reliable energy that Americans depend on,” Jason Isaac said.
Thorndike’s background in climate activism, including her work with Senator Bernie Sanders on the Inflation Reduction Act and the Sunrise Movement, suggests a potential shift towards more aggressive environmental policies.
Rewiring America’s Influence
Rewiring America, the organization Thorndike was previously associated with, has been at the forefront of efforts to ban gas stoves, saying they pose health concerns. The group has gained influence within the Biden-Harris administration and helped shape policies including the Inflation Reduction Act.
“From ‘green’ regulations on dishwashers and washing machines to EV mandates and bans on gas stoves, a Harris-Walz administration will no doubt continue to eviscerate consumer choice and force Americans to pay more for everyday products and household appliances that do a worse job,” O.H. Skinner said.
Campaign Strategy and Voter Outreach
Thorndike’s role in the Harris campaign involves garnering support from climate activists, a key demographic for the Democratic base. Her appointment suggests that the campaign is doubling down on environmental issues as a central platform. Nevertheless, some experts suggest the Vice President’s embrace of far-left climate policies may prove to be a lightning rod for criticism from conservatives and moderate voters, potentially harming Harris in a razor thin race.
