Michael Mazengarb

As RenewEconomy’s lead climate policy journalist, Mazengarb specializes in:

  • Political Energy Analysis: Tracking how legislation and lobbying shape Australia’s climate trajectory
  • Renewable Implementation: Investigating gaps between policy promises and project realities
  • Global-Local Dynamics: Contextualizing Australian energy decisions within international markets

Pitching Priorities

  • Policy Mechanics: How specific regulations enable/block clean energy projects
  • Financial Flows: Fossil fuel subsidies, political donations, green investment trends
  • Community Impacts: Regional transitions, Indigenous energy projects, consumer costs

Recent Recognition:

  • 2024 Energy Press Club Journalist of the Year finalist
  • Cited in 3 parliamentary inquiries on climate policy

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More About Michael Mazengarb

Bio

From Policy Analysis to Energy Journalism

Mazengarb’s career began in climate policy analysis, where he developed a keen understanding of regulatory frameworks. This foundation informs his journalism, particularly in pieces like his 2024 investigation into fossil fuel lobbying, which traced how mining giants influenced Australia’s climate stance through strategic political donations.

Key Career Milestones

  • 2021: Broke the story on infrastructure gaps preventing EV adoption in regional Australia
  • 2023: Exposed systemic underreporting of methane emissions in LNG projects
  • 2025: Led coverage of Australia’s controversial “carbon bomb” gas expansion plans

Defining Works

Albanese’s climate report card: “D for delivery” as progress stalls

This March 2025 analysis combined exclusive data from Climate Analytics with interviews from 12 policy experts to assess the Albanese government’s climate performance. Mazengarb revealed how delayed renewable rollout timelines and continued fossil fuel approvals undermined Australia’s 2030 targets. The piece sparked parliamentary questions and became a reference point in subsequent climate debates.

How fossil fuel cash is powering Peter Dutton’s anti-climate election push

Through forensic analysis of Australian Electoral Commission records, Mazengarb mapped how fossil fuel donations increased 300% year-over-year to opposition parties. His February 2025 investigation connected specific policy positions to donor interests, using case studies from Queensland’s coal regions. The methodology has since been adopted by transparency advocates.

Trump’s “drill baby, drill” plan is a disaster for energy security, and prices

This February 2025 commentary drew parallels between U.S. energy policies and Australia’s gas export boom. Mazengarb combined historical price data with geopolitical analysis to argue that fossil fuel expansion increases consumer vulnerability. The piece has been cited in submissions to Australia’s National Energy Security Assessment.

Pitching Insights

Focus on Policy Implementation Gaps

Mazengarb frequently highlights disparities between climate commitments and on-ground execution. Pitches should identify specific projects or regulations where execution lags behind promises, particularly in regional energy transitions. His 2024 series on delayed renewable energy zones exemplifies this focus.

Follow the Money in Energy Politics

Stories tracing financial flows through political donations, subsidy allocations, or corporate lobbying consistently resonate. Provide verifiable data on funding sources and their policy impacts, as seen in his fossil fuel donations investigation.

International-Economic Angles

While Australia-focused, Mazengarb contextualizes local issues within global markets. Successful pitches might explore how international carbon tariffs affect Australian exports or compare energy transition strategies across Pacific nations.

Energy Justice Perspectives

Stories examining how energy policies affect marginalized communities—such as his 2023 piece on Indigenous microgrid projects—align with his interest in equitable transitions. Include voices from affected populations.

Technology-Policy Intersections

Avoid pure tech specs. Instead, highlight how emerging technologies (e.g., grid-scale batteries) require regulatory changes or investment frameworks. His analysis of ARENA’s funding shifts demonstrates this approach.

Awards and Recognition

2024 Clean Energy Council Media Award: Recognized for exposing loopholes in Australia’s renewable energy certification system. The judging panel noted the investigation’s role in reforming accreditation standards.

“The transition isn’t just about megawatts—it’s about ensuring every joule serves both the climate and communities.”

Top Articles

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