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Kamala Harris has had a multifaceted relationship with the oil and gas industry throughout her career, spanning roles as a prosecutor, Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice President. Her stance on environmental justice and climate change has evolved, reflecting her increasing influence and responsibilities. Let’s take a look at her interactions with the industry at each stage of her career and consider the potential impacts of a Harris presidency on the oil and gas sector, as well as the broader energy industry.

  • Early environmental justice initiatives as San Francisco’s District Attorney.
  • Legal actions against major oil companies as California’s Attorney General.
  • Advocacy for the Green New Deal and environmental legislation as a U.S. Senator.
  • Promotion of Biden administration’s climate policies as Vice President.
  • Modest campaign donations from oil lobby groups compared to support from environmental advocates.
  • Potential for stricter regulations and increased clean energy investments under a Harris presidency.
  • Speculated impacts on jobs in the oil and gas industry and broader energy sector.

As a Prosecutor

As San Francisco’s District Attorney, Harris established an environmental justice unit to tackle crimes against the environment, targeting polluters. This initiative laid the groundwork for her later efforts in environmental justice, signaling her commitment to addressing environmental issues through legal channels. Her work in this role demonstrated an early understanding of the intersection between legal frameworks and environmental protection, highlighting her proactive approach to environmental justice.

As Attorney General of California

During her tenure as California’s Attorney General (2011-2017), Harris took notable actions against the oil and gas industry:

  • Legal Settlements: Harris secured around $50 million in settlements from major oil companies like BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Phillips 66 for violations related to hazardous materials and waste. These settlements underscored her willingness to hold large corporations accountable for their environmental impact.
  • Prosecutions: She initiated criminal proceedings against Plains All-American Pipeline following a significant oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in 2015. This prosecution highlighted her commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting California’s natural resources.
  • Investigations: Harris’s office investigated Exxon Mobil over allegations of misleading the public about climate change, although no lawsuit was ultimately filed. This investigation illustrated her proactive stance in addressing corporate misinformation and environmental transparency.

Harris’s actions as Attorney General positioned her as a formidable advocate for environmental justice and set a precedent for her later work at the federal level.

As a U.S. Senator

As a U.S. Senator, Harris continued to champion environmental justice and climate action:

  • Legislation: She co-sponsored the Green New Deal and introduced legislation to support environmental justice policies, including a proposal for a new division at the Congressional Budget Office to assess the impact of legislation on environmental justice communities. This legislative work demonstrated her commitment to integrating environmental justice into federal policymaking.
  • Statements: Harris was an early supporter of the Green New Deal and endorsed a ban on fracking, though she later moderated her stance on this issue. Her statements consistently emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and transitioning to a clean energy economy.

Harris’s legislative efforts in the Senate reflected her alignment with progressive climate policies and her focus on protecting vulnerable communities from environmental harm.

As Vice President

As Vice President, Harris has been instrumental in promoting the Biden administration’s climate and energy policies:

  • Climate Legislation: Harris played a key role in advancing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes significant investments in clean energy and climate initiatives. Her advocacy for this legislation demonstrated her influence in shaping the administration’s climate agenda.
  • Statements: She has consistently highlighted the importance of environmental justice and holding polluters accountable. Her public statements have reinforced the administration’s commitment to addressing climate change through comprehensive policy measures.

Harris’s role as Vice President has allowed her to leverage her legislative and prosecutorial experience to support the administration’s climate goals and advocate for robust environmental protections.

Campaign Donations from Oil Lobby Groups

Harris has received some campaign donations from individuals associated with the oil and gas industry, but these contributions have been relatively modest compared to those from other sectors. Her campaigns have also been strongly supported by environmental advocacy groups and individuals committed to climate action. This financial support reflects her alignment with environmental priorities and her focus on transitioning to a clean energy economy.

Comparison with Biden Administration’s Energy Policies

The Biden administration’s energy policies have focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy:

  • Moratorium on New Oil and Gas Leasing: A temporary halt on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters was introduced, although this faced legal challenges.
  • Methane Emissions: Efforts to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations have been a priority.
  • Clean Energy Investments: The IRA includes substantial investments in clean energy infrastructure and technologies.

Harris’s previous statements and actions align closely with the Biden administration’s energy policies. However, she has often positioned herself to the left of Biden on climate issues, advocating for more aggressive measures such as a fracking ban and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies.

Speculation on a Kamala Harris Presidency

If Kamala Harris were to become president, her policies might include:

  • Stronger Environmental Regulations: Harris could advocate for more stringent regulations on the oil and gas industry, including stricter emissions standards and increased penalties for environmental violations. Her track record suggests a commitment to holding polluters accountable and prioritizing public health.
  • Increased Clean Energy Investments: Likely to expand investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure. Harris has consistently supported policies that promote renewable energy development and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Global Climate Leadership: Harris might prioritize international climate cooperation, seeking to negotiate global agreements to reduce fossil fuel subsidies and manage the decline of the oil and gas industry. Her international engagement could enhance global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable energy practices.

Impact on the Oil and Gas Industry

A Kamala Harris presidency could have significant impacts on the oil and gas industry:

  • Domestic Impact: Stricter regulations and increased investments in clean energy could accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in the U.S., potentially leading to reduced oil and gas production and increased energy prices in the short term. However, long-term benefits could include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved public health.
  • Global Impact: Harris’s focus on international climate cooperation could influence global energy markets, encouraging other countries to adopt similar policies and reducing global demand for fossil fuels. Her leadership could play a crucial role in shaping international climate agreements and promoting sustainable energy practices.

Potential Impact on Jobs in the Oil and Gas Industry

Oil and Gas Industry
  • Job Reductions: Stricter regulations and a shift towards renewable energy could lead to job reductions in the oil and gas sector, particularly in extraction and refining. This transition may pose challenges for workers in traditional fossil fuel industries.
  • Transition Opportunities: Workers may need to transition to roles in the clean energy sector, requiring retraining and support. Harris’s policies could include provisions for job retraining programs and support for workers affected by the energy transition.
Energy Industry
  • Job Creation: Investments in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure are likely to create jobs in solar, wind, and other clean energy industries. The growth of these sectors could offset job losses in traditional fossil fuel industries.
  • Skill Development: Emphasis on developing new skills related to clean energy production and maintenance will be crucial for workforce adaptation. Harris’s policies may focus on education and training programs to prepare workers for emerging opportunities in the green economy.

Kamala Harris’s interactions with the oil and gas industry have evolved from limited engagement as a prosecutor to a more defined opposition as a senator and vice president. Her policy positions align with a transition toward renewable energy and stricter environmental regulations. If she were to become president, we could expect a continuation and intensification of these trends, likely leading to significant impacts on the oil and gas industry both in the United States and globally. Harris’s presidency could usher in a new era of environmental accountability and clean energy innovation, shaping the future of the energy sector and promoting a sustainable and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy.

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