In her inaugural campaign interview, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris addressed several key issues, including her stance on fracking, the impact of child tax credit reforms, and the creation of clean-energy jobs. Harris, alongside running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, spoke with CNN's Dana Bash on Thursday. While her remarks were poised to rally supporters, fact-checks reveal nuances and potential exaggerations in her statements.
Fracking Stance: Contextual Confusion
Harris's position on fracking, a contentious topic in the Democratic primary, became a focal point during the interview. When asked about her previous stance, Harris stated, "I made that clear on the debate stage in 2020, that I would not ban fracking. As vice-president, I did not ban fracking. As president, I will not ban fracking." This statement aimed to reinforce her consistency on the issue.
However, the claim needs contextual clarification. In 2019, Harris expressed support for a ban on fracking, a position she later moderated. During the 2020 vice presidential debate, her focus shifted to President Joe Biden's policies, stating, "Joe Biden will not end fracking." This statement was intended to align with Biden's position rather than her own evolving views. As noted by FactCheck.org, Harris's current stance aligns with the Biden administration's approach, which has not pursued a full ban on fracking.
Child Tax Credit Impact: Temporary Gains
Harris's comments on child poverty and the child tax credit also drew scrutiny. She claimed that extending the child tax credit in the American Rescue Plan "cut child poverty in America by over 50%." This figure, while rooted in truth, requires nuanced interpretation. The child poverty rate did indeed fall by 46% between 2020 and 2021, according to the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM).
However, this reduction was short-lived. Once the temporary enhancement of the child tax credit ended, poverty rates surged to 12.4% in 2022, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic levels. Harris's proposal to restore and expand the child tax credit to $6,000 for newborns aims to address these issues but does not immediately counter the recent rise in poverty.
Clean-Energy Jobs: Examining the Figures
On the topic of clean-energy jobs, Harris stated, "What we've already done creating over 300,000 new clean-energy jobs." This figure is drawn from a report by Climate Power, which tallied 334,565 announced jobs linked to new clean energy projects since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022. However, not all these jobs have been realized yet, and different organizations report varying numbers.
E2, an environmental and economic group, estimates approximately 109,000 new jobs, while the U.S. Department of Energy reports 142,000 jobs created in 2023 alone. The discrepancy highlights the challenges in tracking the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and the broader clean energy sector's growth. Despite these variations, the significant increase in clean energy investments is undeniable.
As Harris campaigns for the presidency, these fact-checked claims will be pivotal in shaping public perception. Clear communication and accurate representation of policy impacts will be crucial as she navigates the complex landscape of American politics.
