Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. rethinks his stance on fracking after facing significant backlash.

In a recent turn of events, RFK Jr.'s campaign has revised its earlier promise to ban hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking.

This decision comes in light of the criticism he faced for his earlier stance.

Initially, Kennedy's campaign had been vocal about banning fracking as a measure to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. However, the campaign has now clarified its position. Instead of an outright ban, they are advocating for a "phase out" of the practice.

Understanding the revised stance on fracking

The campaign's statement to Fox News Digital highlighted that Kennedy, if he becomes the president, would aim to phase out fracking.

This would be done by ending the subsidies that the industry currently enjoys, thereby letting the free market dictate its course.

It's evident that the campaign has taken a more measured approach. They acknowledge that an immediate and total ban on fracking could have detrimental effects on the US economy.

Therefore, they are suggesting a gradual phase-out, starting with the removal of subsidies and putting a halt to new explorations.

The campaign believes that without the crutch of subsidies, fracking, in most places, would no longer be economically viable. They emphasize that existing oil and gas fields would only be phased out once suitable alternatives are in place, ensuring a smooth transition for both the economy and the people.

RFK Jr.'s history with fracking

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is no stranger to the fracking debate. He has been involved in fracking-related issues for years. In 2014, he was part of a New York fracking committee set up by former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. This committee concluded that without subsidies, fracking would be too costly to compete in a free market.

Furthermore, Kennedy has been at the forefront of litigation against fracking in Pennsylvania. His campaign points out that he has witnessed firsthand the havoc that fracking waste has wreaked on families and communities, Fox News reported.

However, it's worth noting that Kennedy's initial promise to ban fracking did not sit well with many. Over the weekend, he faced a barrage of criticism for his stance.

Industry experts weigh in

Energy expert Alex Epstein was one of the vocal critics. He responded to Kennedy's post by saying, "Banning fracking would immediately plunge the US into a depression."

"I told all of you that this guy is anti-freedom," Epstein remarked.

Isaac Orr, a policy fellow focusing on energy at the Center of the American Experiment, also expressed his concerns.

He emphasized that while many criticize Biden for limiting oil and gas production, even he hasn't been as vocal about banning fracking as Kennedy was.

The significance of fracking in the US

Fracking plays a pivotal role in the US energy sector. According to the Energy Information Administration, an estimated 2.8 billion barrels of crude oil were produced from tight-oil resources in 2022.

This method requires fracking to access these resources deep underground.

Approximately 67% of all domestically-produced crude oil comes from these tight-oil resources.

Additionally, the last decade has seen a surge in natural gas production in the US, thanks to fracking.

Former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette highlighted the importance of fracking in a 2021 report. He warned that banning hydraulic fracturing, a practice used for over 50 years, would have severe repercussions. It would lead to job losses, increased gas prices, and higher electricity costs.

Conclusion and the road ahead

RFK Jr.'s campaign's decision to walk back on their promise to ban fracking has certainly made waves. It remains to be seen how this revised stance will impact his presidential campaign and the broader debate on fracking in the US.

• RFK Jr. revises his stance on fracking.
• The campaign now advocates for a "phase out" rather than an outright ban.
• Fracking plays a significant role in the US energy sector.
• Experts warn of the repercussions of banning fracking.

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