As RenewEconomy’s lead climate policy journalist, Mazengarb specializes in:
Recent Recognition:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
