Wellspring Committee
Wellspring Committee Background The Wellspring Committee was a “dark money” nonprofit group that channeled funding from anonymous donors to conservative political organizations. The group ceased operations in December 2018.2“An influential ‘dark money’ group turns off the […]
Judicial Education Project
The 85 Fund (Formerly Judicial Education Project) Background The 85 Fund, formerly known as the Judicial Education Project (JEP)Jonathan Swan and Alayna treene. is a United States-based nonprofit organization. It is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) “sister ‘charity” to […]
Renewable Energy Foundation
Renewable Energy Foundation Background The Renewable Energy Foundation is a UK charity that aims to “promote sustainable development for the benefit of the public by means of energy conservation and the use of renewable energy”, according to its website. It calls for a “structured energy policy that is both ecologically sensitive and practical”.1“Homepage,” Renewable Energy […]
Mike Sommers
Mike Sommers Credentials Background Mike Sommers has been the president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute (API) since May 2018, taking over from Jack Gerard. Before API, Sommers was president and CEO of the American Investment Council (AIC), previously known as the Private Equity Growth Capital Council (PEGCC), which he led since February 2016.1“Oil […]
Tony Abbott
Tony Abbott Credentials Background Tony Abbott was Prime Minister of Australia between 2013 and 2015, having led the centre-right Liberal Party in opposition since 2009. He was ousted as Liberal Party leader by Malcolm Turnbull in September 2015 following poor approval ratings. 2“Australian PM Tony […]
Gordon Fulks
Gordon J. Fulks Credentials Background Fulks is a policy advisor to the Heartland Institute, a controversial think tank that rejects the 97% consensus on climate change. According to his bio on the Heartland web site, Fulks received a BS, MS and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago in the 1960s and 1970s.1“Gordon J. […]
Association of American Railroads
Association of American Railroads (AAR) Background The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is a 501(c)(6) trade organization that represents major freight railroad companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In addition to providing industry data, research, and standards setting, AAR lobbies in Washington, D.C. for “sound public policy that supports the interests of the freight […]
Beacon Center of Tennessee
The Beacon Center of Tennessee Background The Beacon Center of Tennessee (BCT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that describes itself as “providing expert empirical research and timely free market solutions to public policy issues in Tennessee.” The Center was originally founded as the Tennessee Center for Policy […]
Drew Johnson
Drew Johnson Credentials Background Jason A. (Drew) Johnson is the founder of the Beacon Center of Tennessee, formerly the Tennessee Center for Public Policy Research. He served as president of TCPPR, until leaving in 2009. He remained a member of TCPPR’s board of directors. He was last mentioned on the group’s 2009 990 tax forms.1“Drew […]
Mike McKenna
Mike McKenna Credentials Background Michael (Mike) McKenna is a former energy lobbyist and communications specialist currently serving as a deputy assistant to the President of the United States. 2Kelsey Brugger. “Energy lobbyist Mike McKenna to take White House job,” E&E News, October 25, 2019. Archived November […]