J.D. Vance Flip Flops to Claim Climate Change Is Not Caused By Humans

J.D. Vance, 39, has been selected to run alongside former president Donald Trump on the Republican ticket. His views on climate change have changed over the years, and his inconsistencies have concerned potential voters.

J.D. Vance to Bring Youth to Trump’s Campaign

A relative newcomer to major politics, J.D. Vance earned his fame eight years ago after publishing a memoir that was later adapted into a widely popular film. The book detailed Vance’s experience growing up in poverty in the Appalachian mountains, and many Appalachian Americans found themselves relating to the subject.

Ohio Senator’s Flip-Flopping

Vance, who has served Ohio as a junior senator since last year, seems to have changed his mind on climate-related issues since aligning himself with former President Trump.

Previous Trump Critic Changes Tune

In fact, Vance previously opposed Trump and his policies altogether. Calling the former president “reprehensible” and a “total fraud,” Vance was clear in his disdain for Donald Trump.

Behind Closed Doors, Vance Spoke Freely

In a now-leaked private message from Vance circa 2016, Vance held nothing back as he described his fears about a Trump presidency to a friend.

“How’s That for Discouraging?”

“I go back and forth between thinking Trump is a cynical asshole like Nixon who wouldn’t be that bad (and might even prove useful) or that he’s America’s Hitler,” said Vance. “How’s that for discouraging?”

Vance’s Social Media History

On social media, he called out “fellow Christians” to be wary of the message they were sending by supporting Trump. 

“Everyone Is Watching Us”

“Everyone is watching us when we apologize for this man,” he wrote. “Lord help us.” 

Vance Previously Supported a “Clean Energy Future”

When it comes to climate change, Vance previously pushed for clean energy. In fact, he specifically denounced using natural gas for power, saying that it “isn’t exactly the sort of thing that’s gonna take us to a clean energy future.”

Views Shifted as Donations Poured In

But all that changed when Vance announced his bid for a Senate seat in 2022. His campaign, backed by the oil and gas industry to the tune of nearly $300,000, was built on ideas that contradicted his former beliefs.

“The Survival of America Depends” on Trump, Says Vance

Now, Vance denies the idea of a climate crisis, says “the whole [electric vehicle] thing is a scam,” and claims that “the survival of America depends” on a Trump victory in November.

Humans Not to Blame for Climate Change, Vance Claims

Vance has admitted that there have been changes to the global climate, but does not believe humans are to blame, as it has “been changing for millennia,” he said.

Vance on Windmills in Ohio

“If (environmentalists) think climate change is caused by carbon emissions, then why is their solution to scream about it at the top of their lungs, send a ton of our jobs to China, and then manufacture these ridiculous ugly windmills all over Ohio farms that don’t produce enough electricity to run a cellphone on?” Vance asked.

Vance’s Position on Fracking

In recent years, Vance has also voiced support for fracking, a practice for tapping into gas reserves that is widely denounced in green circles. Fracking is highly controversial because it has been shown to contaminate groundwater.

Ohio Benefits from Inflation Reduction Act While Vance Opposes It

Vance’s state of Ohio has benefitted greatly from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, but he has shown immense disapproval for the Biden-backed initiative.

Inflation Reduction Act “Will Make Us All Poorer,” Says Vance

“It’s dumb, does nothing for the environment, and will make us all poorer,” Vance wrote. 

Voters Worry About Position Changes

Despite the fact that a number of the VP candidate’s views have shifted in favor of matching those of Trump’s and his supporters, the abrupt change has some voters concerned about Vance’s reliability.

Does Trump Regret Adding Vance to Ticket?

Additionally, reports from inside Trump’s circle are suggesting that the former president is regretting his VP pick in the wake of President Biden’s decision to step down from the race. According to those close to Trump, Vance was chosen specifically to enhance Trump’s chances against Biden.

Harris Formally Replaces Biden 

Now that Vice President Kamala Harris has formally entered the race with Biden’s endorsement, it seems Trump allies may be concerned about Vance’s usefulness on the Trump ticket. Since Vance was chosen strategically for a race against Biden, Trump is reportedly unhappy with how the election has unfolded.

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