The appointment of Camila Thorndike as climate advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris has sparked an uproar due to her contentious ties with Rewiring America. Thorndike embraces far left environmental policies that would put many American jobs at risk. The radical pick concerns moderates and conservatives.
The Controversial Appointment
Vice President Kamala Harris has appointed Camila Thorndike, known for her involvement with the far-left climate movement, as her “climate engagement director” for her 2024 presidential campaign. This move has been met with criticism, especially due to Thorndike’s previous leadership role at Rewiring America, a nonprofit advocating for the electrification of the U.S. economy. Harris’s alignment with such entities raises concerns about her campaign strategy and the administration’s energy policies.
Harris’s decision illustrates a potential alignment with anti-fossil fuel activists. Rewiring America has been influential in policies like the push to ban gas stoves, citing health concerns. Thorndike’s appointment indicates a campaign direction that could favor reducing traditional energy usage towards green alternatives, which has stoked fears among conservative and energy advocacy groups about job implications and broader economic effects.
Harris wants to ban gas stoves. Lol. Good luck with that! https://t.co/97VUfIN4vv
— Gabriella Hoffman (@Gabby_Hoffman) July 30, 2024
Concerns Raised by Conservatives
O.H. Skinner from the Alliance for Consumers suggests that the progressive agenda targets consumer choices. Jason Isaac from the American Energy Institute expresses that Harris’s decision to hire Thorndike reflects hostility towards traditional American energy independence. Isaac claims, “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.”
“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
Critics like Daniel Turner of Power the Future argue that Harris’s hiring decision aligns with the current administration’s climate goals. Furthermore, the opinion that such actions bypass congressional approval triggers discussions about gas stove regulations and the broader impacts of these efforts on free market dynamics.
Harris campaign poaches aide from climate group tied to anti-gas stoves push https://t.co/QIhm6TMLMv
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) September 8, 2024
Rewiring America and Its Influence
Rewiring America, a key force behind multiple energy regulations, has been linked to the Windward Fund managed by Arabella Advisors. The organization calls for large-scale industrial mobilization to promote green energy. Thorndike’s previous work, including with Bernie Sanders and the Sunrise Movement, highlights her strong background in climate activism, which conservatives argue might influence Harris’s policies adversely.
Despite the backlash, Harris’s campaign has stood firm on advancing clean energy goals, vowing to invest in cost reduction while dismissing fracking bans. This strategic positioning has not alleviated the concerns of pro-fossil fuel groups and the GOP, putting Harris under scrutiny for aligning too closely with climate radicalism.
