RFK Jr.’s campaign manager, Dennis Kucinich, made an appearance on ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss the alleged connection between the DNC and the Biden campaign. In a typical political fashion, Kucinich emphasized how his candidate is struggling to be heard amidst the noise.
In a surprising turn of events, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s presidential campaign has backtracked on his promise to ban hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, as part of his plan to combat plastic pollution. The campaign clarified that Kennedy would instead implement a “phase out” of fracking if elected president. This would involve ending taxpayer-funded subsidies for the industry and allowing the free market to take its course. It seems that Kennedy’s social media post last week, where he boldly vowed to “ban” fracking to address the plastics pollution crisis, was a bit too idealistic.
The campaign justified this change in stance by acknowledging that an immediate and total ban on fracking would have disastrous consequences for the US economy. They believe that a gradual phase-out, starting with the removal of subsidies and a moratorium on new exploration, is a more realistic approach. Kennedy’s campaign argues that fracking will only become unviable when it is exposed to the free market without any form of subsidies. They also emphasize that existing oil and gas fields will be phased out gradually as suitable alternatives become available, ensuring a smooth transition for the people and the economy.
Interestingly, Kennedy has been involved in fracking issues for years, serving on a New York fracking committee in 2014, which concluded that fracking was too expensive to compete in a free market without subsidies. He has also been actively involved in litigation against fracking in Pennsylvania, witnessing firsthand the alleged devastation caused by fracking waste to families and communities.
This change in position comes after Kennedy received heavy criticism over the weekend for his initial promise to ban fracking. Energy expert Alex Epstein labeled Kennedy as “anti-freedom” and warned that banning fracking would lead the US into a depression. Isaac Orr, a policy fellow focusing on energy issues, even deemed Kennedy’s stance as “disqualifying,” stating that not even Biden has been this vocal about banning fracking. The backlash highlights the contentious nature of the fracking debate.
Fracking has played a significant role in the US energy industry, contributing to the production of 2.8 billion barrels of crude oil in 2022. It is necessary for accessing tight-oil resources buried deep within subterranean reservoirs. Furthermore, fracking has led to a surge in natural gas production over the past decade, resulting in a substantial increase in monthly dry shale gas production.
Former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette warned that a ban on fracking, a practice that has been in use for over 50 years, would have dire consequences. It would result in the loss of millions of jobs, price spikes at the gasoline pump, and higher electricity costs for Americans. Additionally, such a ban would jeopardize the US’ status as the top oil and gas producing country and weaken its geopolitical standing, negatively impacting national security.
It remains to be seen how Kennedy’s revised stance on fracking will be received by voters and critics alike. The 2024 campaign trail is sure to bring more twists and turns as candidates navigate the complex landscape of energy policy.
