DeSmog

Derrick Hollie

Derrick Hollie

Credentials

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Broadcast Management and Communications, East Tennessee State University (1985 – 1989).1Derrick Hollie,” LinkedIn. Accessed July 18, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Background

Derrick Hollie is the founder of Reaching America, a 501(C)(4) organization that uses “grass root efforts, social media, traditional media and PR” to advocate for reduced regulation on the fossil fuel industry as well as “other issues affecting African Americans in our country today.”2About,” Reaching America. Archived July 15, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2YjRN

Hollie’s profile at Reaching America reads as follows:

“A seasoned professional with over 25 years of advertising and integrated marketing experience. Derrick has produced several award winning education and outreach campaigns for government, private sector and nonprofit organizations including Johnson Products, Department of State, Department of Commerce, Census 2010, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Volkswagen Group of America and PepsiCo. These campaigns were inclusive of media planning and buying, creative services, event and conference planning.”3About,” Reaching America. Archived July 15, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2YjRN

Hollie previously founded an advertising firm called Global Advertising 1st, which according to Inc.com had annual revenues of $3.5 million in 2010. Global Advertising’s clients have included the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Gillette, Dodge, and Jeep.4About,” Reaching America. Archived July 15, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2YjRN 5Global Advertising 1st,” Inc.com. Accessed July 18, 2017. 6Macus Moore. “Ad agency: Where are county clients?Gazette.net, August 18, 2006. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NCLxU

According to Hollie, he lost his business due to a dispute with the Census Bureau, which he said in an online petition had left him and his staff working for six months with no pay.7Pay what is owed for services and work performed.” Change.org. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/y56HM

Stance on Climate Change

Reaching America offers the following description on the “Energy & Energy Poverty” section of its website:8Energy & Energy Poverty,” Reaching America. Archived July 17, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fmFsX#selection-399.0-402.0

“Energy is the lifeblood our society. It doesn’t just fuel our cars and power our homes, but it connects us to one another and makes our lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling. However, recent policies are leading to rising energy costs – and African Americans are disproportionately hurt. Low income families pay a greater share of their income on utilities in some cases as much as 35%. The only thing low income families spend more on is housing. Since minorities are more likely to be low income than the general population regulations and other policies that drive up the costs of energy hit African Americans and other minorities especially hard.

Reaching America is committed to advancing policies that allow us to use our abundant, affordable, and reliable energy sources – and that allow consumer decisions and individual priorities to determine our energy mix. Instead of regulating away coal, oil, and natural gas, policymakers should be focused on allowing innovation and the free market to flourish with solutions that meet our energy demands.”

June 13, 2017

Derrick Hollie advocated for pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, writing at the Huffington Post’s “contributor platform”:9Withdrawing From The Paris Climate Accord Helps Low-Income And Minority Americans,” HuffPost, June 13, 2017. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/KHRC2

“While defenders of the accord say it was all about climate change, in reality it was a bad deal that would have hurt Americans—especially low-income and minority Americans,” he wrote.10Withdrawing From The Paris Climate Accord Helps Low-Income And Minority Americans,” HuffPost, June 13, 2017. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/KHRC2

Key Quotes

February 2018

“We should be thanking God for the amount of fossil fuels we have in this country right here, as opposed to other countries where we’re having brown and blackouts right now,” Hollie said on an episode of “Watching the Hawks.”11Reaching America with Derrick Hollie,” YouTube video uploaded by user “Watching the Hawsk RT,” February 22, 2018.

June 17, 2017

Derrick Hollie voiced a Reaching America radio spot in Atlanta, GA, on “energy poverty.” The transcript was as follows:122017-06-17 – Reaching America – Radio Spot – Atlanta – Energy Poverty,” YouTube video uploaded by user Reaching America, July 11, 2017. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

“Hi, I’m Derrick Hollie, President of Reaching America. Did you know that African Americans suffer disproportionately from energy poverty here in the United States? What is energy poverty, you may ask? Energy poverty exists when a low-income family or individual spends up to 30% of their income on utilities. It breaks my heart to think of a single mother who has to decide on feeding her kids, or paying the energy bills.

Specifically here in Atlanta, a high proportion of low income families already pay more than $200 a month for their electricity, and we need to fix this. In America, we have an abundance of energy and many of us take for granted that we can simply turn on the lights and keep our homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We have the natural resources from fossil fuels, including natural gas, and the technology to access these resources all while reducing US air pollution, that provides affordable, reliable energy right here at home.

Join Reaching America in our modern-day movement to address social issues impacting the African American community at ReachingAmerica.org.”132017-06-17 – Reaching America – Radio Spot – Atlanta – Energy Poverty,” YouTube video uploaded by user Reaching America, July 11, 2017. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

April 25, 2017

Writing on the contributor platform of HuffPost regarding renewable energy in Virginia, Hollie declared:14Richmond’s Renewable Nonsense,” HuffPost, April 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/GfUq9

“The mayor’s plan to cut emissions by 80 percent extends out to the year 2050, meaning he’ll be long out of office once the true costs begin impact the people of Richmond. But the true costs of an unfeasible plan like this one will hurt minority and low income families every step of the way.”

”[…] Reducing use of fossil fuels and replacing them with wind and solar energy has become a politically popular claim to make but is neither affordable nor based in reality.”15Richmond’s Renewable Nonsense,” HuffPost, April 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/GfUq9

Key Actions

July 29, 2021

Following a White House request for comment on the social cost of climate change, Hollie criticized the idea:16BIDEN’S ‘SOCIAL COST’ CLIMATE ANALYSIS FLAWED PRESS RELEASE,” Project21, July 29, 2021. Archived August 23, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/g9n85

“The hyperbole of a Hollywood-style, world-ending event if I continue to drive an SUV or eat meat is wearing thin, and policymakers know it. That’s why the Biden Administration revived a low-key approach of seeking new regulation based on the ‘social cost’ of greenhouse gas emissions,” Hollie said, according to a Project21 press release.17BIDEN’S ‘SOCIAL COST’ CLIMATE ANALYSIS FLAWED PRESS RELEASE,” Project21, July 29, 2021. Archived August 23, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/g9n85

Hollie countered that a social cost of carbon assessment should instead be replaced with a “minority impact assessment: on the “social cost of present-day regulation.”18BIDEN’S ‘SOCIAL COST’ CLIMATE ANALYSIS FLAWED PRESS RELEASE,” Project21, July 29, 2021. Archived August 23, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/g9n85

July 15, 2021

Hollie testified before the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis in a hearing titled Advancing Environmental Justice Through Climate Action.19ADVANCING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE THROUGH CLIMATE ACTION,” House Committee on the Climate Crisis. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

In his written testimony, Hollie commented:20House Select Committee on The Climate Crisis Hearing Testimony for Derrick Hollie, President Reaching America,” (PDF), House Committee on the Climate Crisis, July 15, 2021. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“For the record I do think climate change exist however I do not believe there is a climate crisis, and that narrative is very misleading,” he said.21House Select Committee on The Climate Crisis Hearing Testimony for Derrick Hollie, President Reaching America,” (PDF), House Committee on the Climate Crisis, July 15, 2021. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Hollie also opposed electric vehicles (EVs), pointing to Cobalt mines as a “very racist and a glaring example of the hypocrisy that exist,” despite it being an economy-wide issue that affects far more than just EVs and renewable technologies.22Koch-funded Group, Fueling US Forward, Echoes America Rising Squared in Misleading Attack on Electric Cars,” DeSmog, July 10, 2017.

“Why is it okay for little black kids in Africa to mine for cobalt – shouldn’t environmental justice be a global issue or is it just for us in America?” Hollie commented.23House Select Committee on The Climate Crisis Hearing Testimony for Derrick Hollie, President Reaching America,” (PDF), House Committee on the Climate Crisis, July 15, 2021. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Repeating another popular talking point of anti-EV groups, Hollie also criticized tax credits by suggesting they would benefit wealthy car owners.”24THE ELECTRIC CAR TAX CREDIT BENEFITS DRIVERS OF ALL INCOME LEVELS,” Koch vs. Clean. Accessed August 2, 2021.

“Studies show an estimated 90% of EV owners earn over 100k a year and you get your little tax credit,” Hollie said in the written testimony. Most people living in vulnerable communities do not make that kind of money and are
not interested in an electric vehicle. It is very easy to see how your environmental justice policies will do
more harm than good to individuals.”25House Select Committee on The Climate Crisis Hearing Testimony for Derrick Hollie, President Reaching America,” (PDF), House Committee on the Climate Crisis, July 15, 2021. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

See video of the full hearing below.

June 25, 2021

Writing at Townhall, Hollie commented on a recent executive order by the president to establish a price tag for “the monetized impact to society” of climate change.26Derrick Hollie. “Assessing the Racial Cost of Regulation,” Townhall, June 25, 2021. Archived June 27, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/0rmOp

“[H]ere’s a suggestion: make sure regulations designed to combat climate change – or any regulation, for that matter – have their impact assessed before they’re unleashed on our communities,” Hollie wrote.27Derrick Hollie. “Assessing the Racial Cost of Regulation,” Townhall, June 25, 2021. Archived June 27, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/0rmOp

Hollie commented that, during a 2019 hearing, he represented Project 21 in advocating for a “minority impact assessment.”28Derrick Hollie. “Assessing the Racial Cost of Regulation,” Townhall, June 25, 2021. Archived June 27, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/0rmOp

“If this new Biden initiative is true to its claims, this check on regulation must be an integral part of assessing the social costs of climate change policy,” Hollie wrote. “Keeping regulations from taking away opportunity and squashing prosperity – particularly in at-risk minority areas – should be a priority for the White House when looking at the social costs of its environmental policies.”29Derrick Hollie. “Assessing the Racial Cost of Regulation,” Townhall, June 25, 2021. Archived June 27, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/0rmOp

April 6, 2020

Derrick Hollie, representing Reaching America, is signatory to an American Energy Alliance letter to President Donald Trump supporting the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule which would scrap federal fuel economy mandates under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program.30CAFE-Coaliton-to-Trump-April-2020-9 (PDF), American Energy Alliance.

Describing CAFE, the letter contends: “Those families and individuals who prefer or need trucks, SUVs, and crossovers pay more to subsidize those who buy smaller vehicles or electric vehicles under the existing mandate. This significant, needless, and unjust cost is a very real regressive tax on American families that has made our country worse off.”31CAFE-Coaliton-to-Trump-April-2020-9 (PDF), American Energy Alliance.

February 26, 2020

Hollie was listed as a minority witness on a Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States (SCIP) hearing entitled “Destroying Sacred Sites and Erasing Tribal Culture: The Trump Administration’s Construction of the Border Wall.32Subcommittee Hearing: Destroying Sacred Sites and Erasing Tribal Culture: The Trump Administration’s Construction of the Border Wall,” Natural Resources Committee, February 26, 2020.

February 6, 2020

Hollie praised President Trump’s economic policies in an op-ed for the Washington Informer, and called for more offshore drilling for oil and gas to boost the U.S. economy. Expanding offshore drilling, Hollie suggested, could be a boon to minority communities where unemployment is higher than the national average.33Derrick Hollie. “Our Fight for American Energy,” Washington Informer, February 6, 2020. Archived February 14, 2020. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/wip/wufis

“Tapping our nation’s offshore resources,” he wrote, “can generate thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic contributions. Oil and natural gas jobs are stable, high paying and are accessible with a high school diploma and on the job training. In other words, offshore jobs can be an economic lifeline to African Americans who grew up in these communities.”34Derrick Hollie. “Our Fight for American Energy,” Washington Informer, February 6, 2020. Archived February 14, 2020. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/wip/wufis

September 11, 2019

In an op-ed for RealClear Energy, Hollie rejected calls for a Green New Deal and a transition to renewable energy, claiming such actions would push low-income and minority households further into poverty by raising their energy costs.35Derrick Hollie. “No Need for Energy Poverty,” RealClear Energy, September 11, 2019. Archived September 25, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/VRnSk

“It’s a popular theme,” he said, “from Thomas Malthus to Paul R. Ehrlich to Thanos of Avengers fame: Only drastic action will avert catastrophe. We must consume less, accept less, be less.”36Derrick Hollie. “No Need for Energy Poverty,” RealClear Energy, September 11, 2019. Archived September 25, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/VRnSk

April 11, 2019

Arguing that the NAACP no longer represents people of color in favor of the “liberal elite,” Hollie criticized the NAACP’s stance on climate change in commentary for The Daily Signal. Hollie attacked a report issued by the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Department titled “Fossil Fueled Foolery.”37Derrick Hollie. “NAACP Embraces ‘Green’ Agenda, Showing It No Longer Represents Black Interests,” The Daily Signal, April 11, 2019. Archived April 25, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/jqETc

Citing “energy poverty” as the real crisis, Hollie slammed the report’s findings of widespread manipulation of public policy by the fossil industry:

“The NAACP is simply trying to smear conventional energy sources in an effort to stay in with the left. But such tactics will only backfire on the people the NAACP claims to represent: low-income and black communities,” Hollie said.38Derrick Hollie. “NAACP Embraces ‘Green’ Agenda, Showing It No Longer Represents Black Interests,” The Daily Signal, April 11, 2019. Archived April 25, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/jqETc

April 10, 2019

In an op-ed for BlackPressUSA, Hollie promoted developing untapped offshore hydrocarbon reserves off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts to provide “decades’ worth of energy security.”39Derrick Hollie. “Offshore Exploration Promises Jobs, Affordable Energy,” BlackPressUSA, April 10, 2019. Archived April 15, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/0HNid

“But first we need to update government policy that keeps 94 percent of federal offshore acreage closed to energy development,” Hollie wrote.40Derrick Hollie. “Offshore Exploration Promises Jobs, Affordable Energy,” BlackPressUSA, April 10, 2019. Archived April 15, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/0HNid

Hollie claimed offshore development “could generate hundreds of thousands of jobs” to people of color. He cited a government report that estimated 90 billion barrels of potential oil and 327 cubic feet of natural gas reserves.41Derrick Hollie. “Offshore Exploration Promises Jobs, Affordable Energy,” BlackPressUSA, April 10, 2019. Archived April 15, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/0HNid

“Decades of experience confirm offshore energy development can safely coexist with crucial existing industries like tourism and fishing,” Hollie claimed.42Derrick Hollie. “Offshore Exploration Promises Jobs, Affordable Energy,” BlackPressUSA, April 10, 2019. Archived April 15, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/0HNid

March 7, 2019

In an op-ed for The Daily Caller, Hollie claimed that the Green New Deal would harm the poor and minorities by prohibiting them from accessing natural gas and affordable gas-burning cars.43Derrick Hollie. “‘Green New Deal’ Would Hit Minorities the Hardest,” The Daily Caller, March 7, 2019. Archived March 12, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/dydA5

Citing a study conducted by a conservative 501(c)(4) organization, Hollie asserted that the proposal would cost every American household approximately $600,000:

“It would result in higher energy prices for all Americans, but would disproportionately hurt people of color and other minorities who are the most susceptible to energy poverty.”44Derrick Hollie. “‘Green New Deal’ Would Hit Minorities the Hardest,” The Daily Caller, March 7, 2019. Archived March 12, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/dydA5

Hollie also suggested that government incentives to purchase electric vehicles were interfering with free market principles:

“I’m all for renewable energy where it makes sense and where it doesn’t needlessly drive up our cost of living. If electric cars are attractive to consumers, let them compete in a free market without the help of government subsidies—our tax dollars.”45Derrick Hollie. “‘Green New Deal’ Would Hit Minorities the Hardest,” The Daily Caller, March 7, 2019. Archived March 12, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/dydA5

February 6, 2019

Derrick Hollie testified alongside Judith Curry as a minority witness at the House Committee on Natural Resources’ hearing on “Climate Change: Impacts and the Need to Act.”46Ben Jervey. “Big Oil Ally Derrick Hollie Dismisses Environmental Justice, Promotes Natural Gas at House Climate Hearing,” DeSmog, February 8, 2019. 47Full Committee Hearing: Climate Change: Impacts and the Need to Act,” Natural Resources Committee. Archived February 8, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/jsxfL

View a written copy of Hollie’s testimony here (PDF).

“The community, the African American community, we don’t have the luxury to pay more for green technologies,” Hollie said in his testimony.

While denouncing renewable energy, Hollie described the “abundant supply of natural gas” as “the solution to our nation’s energy questions.” He added, “Natural gas is clean.”

Following testimony, Hollie faced a question from Democrat Joe Neguse regarding his comments that natural gas is a clean energy source:

Neguse: “According to the NAACP air task force report, African American communities face an elevated risk of cancer due to air toxic emissions from natural gas development. And over 1 million African Americans live in counties that face a cancer risk above the EPA’s level of concern from toxics emitted by natural gas facilities. So I’m curious how you would respond to that statistic. “

Hollie: “Our response would be, all of our energy sources have some type of downside to them. Even coal. We look at the wind turbines…”

Neguse: “I would agree with you there, certainly. Coal certainly has a negative impact…”

Hollie: “If I could finish, sir, if I could finish. Even the wind turbines, this winter, a couple weeks ago couldn’t operate — the downside. Well we know for a fact that liquid gas, natural gas is the cleanest way and the most affordable way right now for people in this country.”

Neguse: “I’m not sure I understand your comparison of windmills to the toxins and potential cancer risks associated with natural gas emissions. But nonetheless, I will say, I understand that you have written a number of editorials and obviously from your testimony today, support the development of fossil fuels, coal and natural gas”

Hollie: “That’s a fair assessment.”

Neguse: “I also understand that your organization is a partner with a group called, uh, let’s see here. Explore Offshore. Is that correct?”

Hollie: “We are a member of that organization, yes.”

Neguse: “Okay. And that is a project of the American Petroleum Institute.”

Hollie: “Yes, they are associated with them. Yes.”

Neguse: “Does your organization receive any funding from fossil fuel companies or corporations?”

Hollie: “No we do not.”

When Republican Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona asked who would be most negatively impacted by a Green New Deal, Hollie said, “Minorities because we can’t afford rising costs associated with policies.”

September–October 2018

Derrick Hollie spoke at a public hearing on the Buckingham Compressor Station (BCS) air permit in Virginia. He described the station as an “integral part of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline” and came out “in strong support of this project.”48Live at the DEQ hearing on the BCS air permit,” Facebook video via Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

With regards to expressed concerns that the project would damage Virginia’s environment, Hollie said he and Reaching America “have no such concerns.”49Live at the DEQ hearing on the BCS air permit,” Facebook video via Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

Hollie later penned an op-ed at The Daily Signal where he claimed opposition to the Buckingham County station, was “another example of liberal paternalism harming minorities.” He described those in opposition to the project as having a “white savior complex” and potentially “downright racist”:50Another Example of Liberal Paternalism Harming Minorities,” The Daily Signal, October 18, 2018. Archived October 23, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/HYore

“In Buckingham County, the black population is significantly higher than in the rest of Virginia, and it is African-Americans and other minorities who are the most susceptible to falling into energy poverty,” Hollie wrote.51Another Example of Liberal Paternalism Harming Minorities,” The Daily Signal, October 18, 2018. Archived October 23, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/HYore

He added, “[i]t was exclusively white activists with their matching T-shirts and picket signs who were speaking out against the proposed compressor station at a recent hearing, claiming it to be ‘environmental racism.’” According to Hollie, the resistance in Buckingham County “reeked of a so-called ‘white savior complex.’”52Another Example of Liberal Paternalism Harming Minorities,” The Daily Signal, October 18, 2018. Archived October 23, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/HYore

In conclusion, he wrote: “Liberal paternalism is too often more harmful for minorities than it is helpful. In the case of Buckingham County, Virginia, it’s insulting at best, and downright racist at worst.”53Another Example of Liberal Paternalism Harming Minorities,” The Daily Signal, October 18, 2018. Archived October 23, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/HYore

August 18, 2018

Hollie wrote an op-ed at the Daily Press where he claimed protestors of offshore oil and gas production don’t represent people of color.54Derrick Hollie OpEd: Offshore Protestors Who Flood Hearing Rooms Don’t Speak For Everyone,” Daily Press, August 18, 2018. Archived August 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/vh8Ck

“[W]hat I don’t see is a lot of minorities or people of color. Maybe because they’re at work trying to make up for that pay gap?” Hollie wrote. He further suggested the “protests blatantly oppress an already oppressed group of people.”55Derrick Hollie OpEd: Offshore Protestors Who Flood Hearing Rooms Don’t Speak For Everyone,” Daily Press, August 18, 2018. Archived August 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/vh8Ck

“Producing more energy here in America will make energy prices go down, or at least keep them stable in the near future. That’s why the first step should be approving seismic testing and initiating a discovery phase off Virginia’s coast,” Hollie suggested.56Derrick Hollie OpEd: Offshore Protestors Who Flood Hearing Rooms Don’t Speak For Everyone,” Daily Press, August 18, 2018. Archived August 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/vh8Ck

“In light of this information, it strikes me incredibly odd that many local elected officials… are opposed to offshore drilling,” he added.57Derrick Hollie OpEd: Offshore Protestors Who Flood Hearing Rooms Don’t Speak For Everyone,” Daily Press, August 18, 2018. Archived August 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/vh8Ck

Reaching America is listed as a “partner” in a coalition organized by the American Petroleum Institute titled Explore Offshore that pushes offshore drilling.58COALITION,” Explore Offshore. Accessed September 12, 2018.

August 7, 2018

Hollie spoke at the Heartland Institute‘s “America First Energy Conference” (AFEC 2018) in New Orleans, Louisiana.59Speakers,” America First Energy Conference 2018. Archived August 1, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/mwtga

“The purpose of this event is to promote and expand energy freedom in the United States, as outlined in President Donald Trump’s bold America First Energy Plan, a proposal first released during the 2016 presidential campaign. The president’s plan marks a decisive change in direction from the Obama administration’s ‘war on fossil fuels’ and focus on the theory of catastrophic man-caused climate change,” the conference description reads.60About,” America First Energy Conference 2018. Archived July 23, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/E4Gnt

Hollie spoke on a panel titled “Fueling Freedom and Prosperity”:61DERRICK HOLLIE,” America First Energy Conference 2018. Archived August 1, 2018. Archive URL: https://archive.fo/qyhXs

“We’re focused on solutions not based on right or left wing views, but what makes sense for a more united America,” Hollie claimed. “And I say that because oftentimes, the audience that I’m speaking to, the last thing they want to hear is about is being a conservative or energy […] [00:51]

“And [you’d say] oh my god Derrick, you’re drinking the Trump kool-aid. Well, yea, I’ll take a couple of sips, you know. I have to spit it out sometimes, but for the most part I do drink it.” [1:04]

Hollie went on to go in-depth of his personal experience getting interested in the issue of “energy poverty,” detailing his history working for Norfolk Southern railways as a brakeman at the Lamberts Point coal terminal, loading coal ships. Hollie’s father was also a Southwest Virginia coal miner.

“So, now, when I start talking about coal, fossil fuel, energy, it’s personal. And I humanized the message,” Hollie said. [2:18]

According to Hollie, the “solution to energy poverty” is more fossil fuel use: [10:29]

“Better energy policy that includes increasing the production of fossil fuels will lead to lower energy costs. Offshore energy exploration, the Atlantic coast pipeline, and improved coal technology. […]

During a Q&A session following the panel, an attendee asked Hollie if he would considering visiting California with his Reaching America operation. Hollie replied he would have to ask his donors:

“I oftentimes reference California as where we don’t want to be,” Hollie replied. “However, depending on my donors, I am willing to come out to California.”62Derrick Hollie speaking at Q&A panel at AFEC 2018. Audio on file at DeSmog.

August 1, 2017

Derrick Hollie testified to the EPA, opposing a renewable fuel standard claiming it would disproportionately impact African American families.632017-08-01 – Reaching America – Derrick Hollie – EPA Testimony – Renewable Fuel Standard,” YouTube video uploaded by user “Reaching Ameica,” August 8, 2017. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

“Any policy that contributes to energy poverty is a bad one for low income families and minority communities,” Hollie said in his testimony.

“Requiring additional amount of ethanol be put in gasoline would damage engines of older cars and small-engine tools like lawnmowers that require drastic maintenance costs many black families and low income families just can’t afford,” he added.

According to Hollie, increased ethanol production would also increase the price of food production.

June 14, 2017

In a letter to the editor of Springfield News-Leader, Hollie criticizes electric vehicle subsidies in Missouri:64Protecting Missouri’s poor from energy poverty,”Springfield News-Leader, June 14, 2017.

“Adding insult to injury, Missouri offers a lavish subsidy for electric vehicles that benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor and middle class […] Mandates and subsidies for green energy disproportionately harm the least fortunate. For low-income families, that forces tough choices between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on.”65Protecting Missouri’s poor from energy poverty,”Springfield News-Leader, June 14, 2017.

April 22, 2017

Reaching America is listed as a sponsor of a “Women’s Empowerment” event hosted by Foxy 107.1-104.3 radio. Derrick Hollie is listed on the 2017 event schedule to present alongside Willie Moore Jr.66Women’s Empowerment 2017 Event Schedule,”Foxy 107.1-104.3 FM. Archived July 19, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/h8D8T

Hollie was also a presenter in a 2016 seminar at the event titled “How energy and energy poverty impacts the African American Community.”67Jennifer Hall. “Women’s Empowerment 2017 Sponsors,” Foxy 107.1-104.3 FM. Archived July 19, 2017. 68Jennifer Hall. “Seminars,” Foxy 107.1-104.3 FM. Archived July 19, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/XhpU1

March 22, 2017

Derrick Hollie spoke at the Transformation Expo 2017 in Richmond, Virginia, about “impact of Energy Poverty on the African American community.” Hollie provided a video summary of the event on his Facebook page:69Derrick Hollie and Willie Moore Jr. spoke at the Transformation Expo 2017 in #Richmond, #Virginia about the impact of #EnergyPoverty on the African American community,” Facebook post uploaded by user Reaching America, March 22, 2017. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

March 2, 2017

As Derrick Hollie reported at Energy in Depth (EID), a group launched by the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), he testified against Senate Bill 0740 and House Bill 1325 — two bills that would prevent hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in Maryland.70Derrick Hollie. “Allowing Fracking In Maryland ‘Will Help Narrow the Energy Gap’ For Minorities,” EnergyinDepth, March 2, 2017. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/zEIZ0 71About EID,” EnergyinDepth. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sEOZv

In his testimony, Hollie brings up “energy poverty,” and concludes that “There is too much at stake for black, low income, and other minority communities for Maryland to be bullied into continuing a misguided ban.”72Derrick Hollie. “Allowing Fracking In Maryland ‘Will Help Narrow the Energy Gap’ For Minorities,” EnergyinDepth, March 2, 2017. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/zEIZ0

“Right now, 1,113,342 homes in Maryland are heated by natural gas, and millions more are powered in part by burning natural gas. Harnessing Maryland’s energy potential will help narrow the energy gap by ensuring African American households are just as warm and secure as everyone else’s,” Hollie said.73Derrick Hollie. “Allowing Fracking In Maryland ‘Will Help Narrow the Energy Gap’ For Minorities,” EnergyinDepth, March 2, 2017. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/zEIZ0

February 24, 2017

Writing at HuffPost, Dereck Hollie argues that Maryland should pursue hydraulic fracturing (fracking).74Dereck Hollie. “Maryland Should Explore Opportunities With Natural Gas,” HuffPost, February 23, 2017. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/JcVmY

“Opponents of natural gas exploration have resorted to scare tactics and bullying of legislators to stop Maryland residents from having access to this affordable, job creating resource,” Hollie said. According to Hollie, “While dozens of other states have embraced natural gas, Maryland has stayed stuck in the past, and it is costing us dearly.”75Dereck Hollie. “Maryland Should Explore Opportunities With Natural Gas,” HuffPost, February 23, 2017. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/JcVmY

December 16, 2016

Reaching America teamed up with Fueling US Forward (FUSF) to sponsor a gospel concert in Richmond, VA, The New York Times reported:76Hiroko Tabucchi. “Sensing Gains Ahead Under Trump, the Kochs Court Minorities,” The New York Times, January 5, 2017. Archived January 9, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/abF3O

“About halfway through the event, the music gave way to a panel discussion on how the holidays were made possible by energy — cheap energy, like oil and gas,” Hiroko Tabuchi writes at the New York Times. She adds that the concert’s flier read “Thankful for the fuels and innovation that make modern life possible.”77Hiroko Tabucchi. “Sensing Gains Ahead Under Trump, the Kochs Court Minorities,” The New York Times, January 5, 2017. Archived January 9, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/abF3O

View a recap video of the event by Derrick Hollie, posted on Facebook by David Ferguson (formerly of Freedom Partners).78Here’s a recap of yesterday’s Energy Education Event with Reaching America, Derrick Hollie, and Fueling Us Forward in Richmond, Virginia.,” Facebook post by user David Ferguson, December 11, 2016. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog. 79David Ferguson,” Facebook profile. Accessed July 18, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/D61JK

In addition to FUSF and Reaching America, the event was also sponsored by Radio One, which Tabuchi notes caters to black listeners. Four people were picked out of the crowd of 300 and told that their latest monthly electricity bills would be paid up to $250. According to his LinkedIn Profile, Hollie formerly worked at Radio One.80Hiroko Tabucchi. “Sensing Gains Ahead Under Trump, the Kochs Court Minorities,” The New York Times, January 5, 2017. Archived January 9, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/abF3O 81Derrick Hollie,” LinkedIn. Accessed July 18, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

August 21, 2016

Writing at The Virginian Pilot, Derick Hollie claims that the Obama Administration had been “discriminating against the most affordable energy sources” including coal.82Derrick Hollie: Restoring energy independence,” The Virginian Pilot, August 21, 2016. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/JbvrJ

Hollie cites a study by the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), a group that has received significant fossil fuel funding including over $1M from ExxonMobil:83ExxonSecrets Factsheet: National Black Chamber of Commerce. Accessed July 18, 2017.

“According to a study conducted by the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the EPA Clean Power Plan would drive 23 percent more of the black community into poverty,” Hollie wrote. He adds, “On top of that, many black families would face what’s known as ‘energy poverty,’ meaning reduced access to the electricity that we need to power our daily lives.”84ExxonSecrets Factsheet: National Black Chamber of Commerce. Accessed July 18, 2017.

May 11, 2016

Derrick Hollie signed a Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) letter supporting legislation that would cancel Schedule B on non-profit reporting to the IRS. This would reduce transparency by removing the identification of contributors.85CEI Joins Coalition to Support the ‘Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act’,” Competitive Enterprise Institute, June 13, 2016. Archived July 17, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/mDw4I

“This bill presents an opportunity to strengthen free speech protections in light of recent cases of intimidation and mishandling of private information by the IRS. It would be a win for organizations across the political spectrum,” the letter claimed.86CEI Joins Coalition to Support the ‘Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act’,” Competitive Enterprise Institute, June 13, 2016. Archived July 17, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/mDw4I

Affiliations

  • Reaching America — Founder and President.87About,” Reaching America. Archived July 15, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2YjRN 88Derrick Hollie,” LinkedIn. Accessed July 18, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
  • Fresh Solutions Now Executive Director (March 2013 – June 2015).89Derrick Hollie,” LinkedIn. Accessed July 18, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
  • Global Advertising 1st — President (February 2002 – March 2013).90Derrick Hollie,” LinkedIn. Accessed July 18, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
  • Radio One — National Sales Manager (May 1996 – February 2002).91Derrick Hollie,” LinkedIn. Accessed July 18, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Social Media

Publications

Derrick Hollie has a number of blog posts at HuffPost under their “contributor” platform, which some have described as “a way for unvetted, unpaid bloggers to post directly to the site without editing, which of course, is a recipe for fake news and insane opinions getting shared around the internet under the banner of The Huffington Post.” Examples of Hollie’s posts below.92Derrick Hollie: President, Reaching America,” HuffPost. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/z60fn 93William Hicks. “Huffington Post’s Contributor Platform Is a Magnet for Fake News and Crazy People,Heatstreet, June 15, 2017. Archived July 18, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Kq48H

Other Resources

Resources

Related Profiles

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