Charles Drevna

Charles Drevna

Credentials

Background

Charles T. Drevna was the President and CEO of Fueling U.S. Forward, a pro fossil fuel organization funded by Koch Industries and other oil and gas companies that launched in August, 2016 and shut down in September 2017. Drevna described the group as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit business association, allowing for both lobbying and political activities.2Sharon Kelly. “New Koch-Funded Group ‘Fueling US Forward’ Aims to Promote the ‘Positives’ of Fossil Fuels,” Desmog, August 14, 2016. 3Camille von Kaenel. “Group tells minorities, ‘We need fossil fuels’,ClimateWire, September 6, 2016. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/QTcEJ 4Drevna, Charles T: Lobbyist Profile,” OpenSecrets.org. Accessed October 18, 2016.

Charlie Drevna is a former D.C. oil industry lobbyist and Sunoco executive. Until mid-2016, Drevna was also Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Institute for Energy Research and a board member of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers.5Charles Drevna: DISTINGUISHED SENIOR FELLOW,” Institute for Energy Research. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FcQpT 6BOARD OF DIRECTORS,” American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. Accessed October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/6LusB According to his bio at AFPM, Drevna was an “advocate” for the petroleum industry:7“Charles T. Drevna” (PDF), AFPM. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

“Drevna leads a staff that advocates for petroleum refiners and petrochemical manufacturers before Congress and the Executive Branch on a broad range of public policy issues. AFPM, under Drevna’s leadership, is emphasizing the importance of petroleum refiners and petrochemical manufacturers to America’s economic growth and national security. “

Before joining IER, Drevna was President of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), the national trade association representing 98 percent of oil refining capacity in the U.S., formerly known as the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association. According to his profile at the Institute for Energy Research, Drevna joined the AFPM in 2002 as the director of policy and planner, and was named executive vice president in 2006. He became President in 2007 where he served until he later retired from the position in May, 2016.8Charles Drevna: DISTINGUISHED SENIOR FELLOW,” Institute for Energy Research. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FcQpT 9Charles T. Drevna: Distinguished Senior Fellow, Institute for Energy Research (IER)” (PDF), Institute for Energy Research. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog. 10AFPM ANNOUNCES CHET M. THOMPSON AS NEW PRESIDENT,” AFPM, April 1, 2016. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Iu4IH

According to tax records, Drevna continued to received $250,000 from AFPM in 2016, while he was developing and launching Fueling U.S. Forward, despite wrapping up his tenure as President of the association in April of 2015.

According to IER’s website, while he was a Senior Fellow, Drevna advised IER on a variety of energy topics, particularly fuel and refining issues. Though Drevna told DeSmog’s Sharon Kelly that IER is not involved with this Fueling U.S. Forward campaign, Drevna did work on Fueling U.S. Forward while officially serving as a fellow at IER.11Charles T. Drevna Joins IER,” Institute for Energy Research, May 26, 2015. Archived October 18, 2016. Archivei.is URL: https://archive.is/fyOUP

FuelFix describes IER as advocating “freely functioning” energy markets, and notes the group has criticized sector-specific subsidies, particularly tax incentives that aid wind, solar and other renewable power.12Jennifer A. Dlouhy. “Former refining lobbyist joins Institute for Energy Research”, FuelFix, May 26, 2015. Archived Octobe 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Y9TqH

In February 2016, The Huffington Post reported that Charles Drevna and James Mahoney were reportedly charged by the Koch brothers with developing and leading the new campaign to rebrand oil and gas and attack clean energy and electric vehicles. In August, 2016, Drevna revealed at Red State Gathering that this campaign would be called “Fueling U.S. Forward.” The campaign set out to rebrand fossil fuels as “sustainable” and vital energy sources. As Drevna announced, ““Oil and natural gas […] are the future.”13Peter Stone. “The Kochs Are Plotting A Multimillion-Dollar Assault On Electric Vehicles,” The Huffington Post, February 19, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/jXPA4 14Sharon Kelly. “New Koch-Funded Group ‘Fueling US Forward’ Aims to Promote the ‘Positives’ of Fossil Fuels,” Desmog, August 14, 2016. 15About the Event,” Red State Gathering. Archived October 17, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/S42PT

Drevna has had a long career in the oil industry, having held executive and supervisory positions with Sunoco and Consolidated Coal Corp. He has also held high-level positions with the Oxygenated Fuels Association and the National Coal Association.16NPRA’s Drevna: Climate Bill Would Have Profound Implications,” Search Enterprises, Inc. July 27, 2009. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/5eU8q

Koch-Tied Generation Opportunity Funding

FUSF appears to have been operating in connection with the Koch-tied Generation Opportunity and Generation Opportunity Institute, 990 tax records reviewed by DeSmog reveal. While Generation Opportunity operates as a 501(c)(4) organization, it appears to have also run a non-profit 501(c)(3) arm entitled the “Generation Opportunity Institute.”

The 2016/2017 990 forms for Generation Opportunity Institute (EIN 46-2346050) operated under the name “Fueling U.S. Forward Institute” and listed Charles Drevna as the group’s president. According to that tax form, Drevna received $648,969 in that year, plus another $23,978 in other compensation.

Generation Opportunity Institute 2016 (Text)
It also noted that Drevna, as president, was paid via YEM Trust — the operating name of Generation Opportunity’s 501(c)(4) outfit:

Koch Vs. Clean

DeSmog launched a microsite on August 14, 2016 KochVsClean.com that examines the Kochs’ role in creating and funding the Fueling U.S. Forward campaign and how this group fits into the Koch-funded network of organizations seeking to undermine clean energy innovation such as electric vehicles and rooftop solar. Koch Vs. Clean also further examines the role of key individuals and organizations backing the FUSF campaign. Learn more below:

Individuals involved in Fueling U.S. Forward

Organizations involved in Fueling U.S. Forward

Stance on Climate Change

2014

“Since the Lord rested on the 7th day, there’s been climate change. The question is how much of it is man-made, how much of it can we can control, and what are the unintended consequences or the ramifications.”17White House Calls for ‘Urgent Action’ on Climate Change,” C-SPAN video, May 7, 2014.

2008

“Meteorologists have questioned the relationship between storm intensity and climate change.”18CHARLES DREVNA: CLIMATE CHANGE & ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE,” YouTube Video uploaded by EnergyEnvironment.TV. Archived .mp4 on file at Desmog.

Key Quotes

October 3, 2016

“Today, fossil fuels are often spoken about in derogatory terms. But the truth is often the opposite of what you hear.

[…]

As we look to the future, the central question should be whether we will continue achieving advances in everyone’s quality of life, especially the least fortunate. The answer to this question depends on whether we recognize the central role of fossil fuels to human progress.”19Charles Drevna. “Why energy matters,” The Hill, October 3, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/9fFsk

August 2016

“We’ve got to take this to the emotional and personal level. Oil and natural gas, they’re not the fuels of the past and maybe the present or a necessary evil. They are the future.”20Sharon Kelly. “New Koch-Funded Group ‘Fueling US Forward’ Aims to Promote the ‘Positives’ of Fossil Fuels,” Desmog, August 14, 2016.

July 2009

“We’re very concerned about the negative impacts this legislation [the Waxman-Markey climate change bill] would have not just on domestic refining and petrochemical businesses, but on American consumers and our nation’s economic recovery as a whole. Anything that will negatively impact supply or the cost of energy will impact consumers, so it’s a false assumption that only industry will have to bear the burden of complying with a stringent, unrealistic climate change mandate. Both our employees and our customers will be adversely affected should such legislation be signed into law.”21NPRA’s Drevna: Climate Bill Would Have Profound Implications,” Search Enterprises, Inc. July 27, 2009. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/5eU8q

Key Deeds

June 2, 2017

Shortly after Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk quit as business advisor to President Trump, following Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, Drevna weighed as an opponent to green energy subsidies:22Conservatives Target Musk Tax Subsidies as Low-hanging Fruit,” The Washington Free Beacon, June 2, 2017. Archived June 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/B3Tnt

“Electric Vehicle and Solar Panel subsidies are a massive transfer of wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich,” Drevna said, quoted at The Washington Free Beacon. “We should not force those least able to afford it to pay for programs that will not benefit them and only continue line the pockets of the crony capitalists.”23Conservatives Target Musk Tax Subsidies as Low-hanging Fruit,” The Washington Free Beacon, June 2, 2017. Archived June 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/B3Tnt

August 22–25, 2016

Charles Drevna attended at a Blacks in Government training session in Atlantic City, N.J. “He will continue to meet with a variety of groups in the coming months, he said, ticking examples off: Native Americans, inner-city residents, farmers, millennials, women and industry employees,” Climatewire reported.24Camille von Kaenel. “Group tells minorities, ‘We need fossil fuels’,ClimateWire, September 6, 2016. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/QTcEJ

While Drevna did not speak at the event, Climatewire said “ surrogates with Project 21, an initiative by the National Center for Public Policy Research for black conservatives, helped deliver his message, according to National Policy Alliance Executive Director Linda Haithcox.”25Camille von Kaenel. “Group tells minorities, ‘We need fossil fuels’,ClimateWire, September 6, 2016. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/QTcEJ

The National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) has received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the oil industry and right-wing foundations, according to data from Conservative Transparency.26National Center for Public Policy Research,” Conservative Transparency. Accessed May 12, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/UkmIU

August 13, 2016

Charles Drevna announced the Fueling U.S. Forward campaign at the Red State Gathering and confirmed that the campaign is backed by Koch Industries (video below).27Sharon Kelly. “New Koch-Funded Group ‘Fueling US Forward’ Aims to Promote the ‘Positives’ of Fossil Fuels,” Desmog, August 14, 2016. 28About the Event,” Red State Gathering. Archived October 17, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/S42PT

“We need a sustainable energy to ensure the future of the country,” Mr. Drevna told the audience.

The source of that energy? That which Mr. Drevna labeled “reliable, abundant, efficient and sustainable fuels.”

“Folks, that’s of course the fossil fuels,” he immediately added.

Huffington Post first reported on the campaign in February, 2016, noting the $10 million-a-year effort had been proposed by Koch Industries board member James Mahoney along with Charles Drevna with the goal “to boost petroleum-based transportation fuels and attack government subsidies for electric vehicles.”29Peter Stone. “The Kochs Are Plotting A Multimillion-Dollar Assault On Electric Vehicles,” The Huffington Post, February 19, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/jXPA4

Drevna said at the Red State Gathering that “we are basically richer than ever before.” He quickly revised his statement, adding “as a world we are. As a nation we are basically richer than ever before.” 30Sharon Kelly. “New Koch-Funded Group ‘Fueling US Forward’ Aims to Promote the ‘Positives’ of Fossil Fuels,” Desmog, August 14, 2016.

According to Drevna, the oil industry has long “been engaged in asymmetric warfare.” He notes that “We’re partnering with other organizations too, especially non-traditional allies like the minority community. Who in the heck gets hit hardest and fastest when there’s an energy crisis and prices go up? They do.”31Sharon Kelly. “New Koch-Funded Group ‘Fueling US Forward’ Aims to Promote the ‘Positives’ of Fossil Fuels,” Desmog, August 14, 2016.

November 3, 2015

Charles Drevna, while a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Energy Research (IER), testified before the House Science Subcommittees on Oversight and Environment to oppose the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), reports IER Read Drevna’s full testimony here.32Charles Drevna to Testify on Broken RFS,” Institute for Energy Research, November 3, 2015. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/OIAd3

“The Renewable Fuel Standard was based on incorrect assumptions about oil production and consumption, as well as the ability of Congress and the administration to mandate and create incentives for innovation and vast technological and economic leaps in biofuel production” Drevna says in his written testimony. “The results of the RFS are a failure for America. […] is time to end the RFS and let American fuel producers focus on delivering the best products to American motorists.”33“HEARING ON: RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD A TEN YEAR REVIEW OF COSTS AND BENEFITS: TESTIMONY OF CHARLES DREVNA” (PDF), Institute for Energy Research, November 3, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

Video of Drevna’s testimony below:

August 2015

Charles Drevna, representing the American Energy Alliance (AEA), went on Fox News to criticize the EPA’s Carbon Rule and the Clean Power Plan. See video below.34Drevna: EPA’s own analysis shows no climate benefit to carbon rule,” YouTube Video uploaded by user American Energy Alliance, August 4, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at Desmog.

March 19, 2012

Charles Drevna, representing the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) testified before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence on “the implications of refinery closures for U.S. homeland security and critical infrastructure safety.” According to Drevna’s written testimony:35FIELD HEARING before the SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE of the COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION,” U.S. Government Printing Office, March 19, 2012. Archived October 18, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/jFV1p

“As we look to diversify our energy sources, we must not turn our back on petroleum-derived fuels that we will continue to depend upon for decades to come. To do so would simply disadvantage the consumer, harm our National economy, and erode our energy security.”

February 2012

Charles Drevna debated Thom Hartmann on Keystone XL pipeline and alternative energy. In his interview, Drevna claims that his industry “doesn’t get subsidies:”36Keystone XL & Alternative Energy – Charles Drevna,” YouTube Video Uploaded by User thomhartmann, February 10, 2012. Archived .mp4 on file at Desmog.

Thom Hartman: “Many people would suggest that your industry is one of the largest welfare recipients int he united states and that you’re fighting vigorously to maintain your welfare payments. How do you respond to that?”

Charles Drevna: “Absolute fallacy. If you’re talking about subsidies, which is the misnomer of the year, of the decade, we as an industry—whether it’s refining, petrochemical, oil, or gas—we don’t get subsidies.”

In a 2015 report, The Guardian found that Shell alone was in line for $1.6 billion in state subsidy, according to a deal struck in 2012 when the company made an annual profit of $26.8 billion.37US taxpayers subsidising world’s biggest fossil fuel companies,” The Guardian, May 12, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/anZ9Z

April 28, 2010

Rep. Peter Welch questioned Charles Drevna at a hearing of the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee about subsidies that the oil industry enjoys. Welch notes that Drevna had previously testified in favor of energy policy that favors a “level playing field’ that would allow the most competitive form of energy to win out. However, when Welch notes several subsidies that have cost taxpayers billions of dollars while serving the oil industry, Drevna says that he is apposed to their repeal. Video below.38Rep. Welch questions oil refinery official about industry subsidies,” YouTube Video uploaded by user RepPeterWelch, April 28, 2010. Archived .mp4 on file at Desmog.

October 2009

Bloomberg News interviewed Charles Drevna on why he was opposed to the EPA’s move to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Video below.39Inside Look – EPA Moves to Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions,” Bloomberg, October 1, 2009.

Affiliations

Publications

According to his profile at the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturer (AFPM), Drevna has appeared on Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network and CNB. He also offers “analysis and commentary” in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, ABC News, and U.S. News and World Report.47“Charles T. Drevna” (PDF), AFPM. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

Sample Media Appearances

Sample Publications

Other Resources

Resources

Related Profiles

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