
Zack Colman
Climate and energy reporter for POLITICO, reporting on the impact of legislation on green energy initiatives and greenhouse gas emissions.
Top 10 podcasts with Zack Colman
Ranked by the Snipd community

5 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 10min
POLITICO Scoop: Trump is considering a Blue state hydrogen project purge
Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, dives into the controversial potential cuts to clean energy funding by the Energy Department, particularly targeting Democratic states. He outlines concerns about politicization in hydrogen projects, revealing a preference for GOP-leaning areas. Discussion includes an alarming $800 million cut to small-scale clean energy initiatives and the broader impacts on job creation in key industrial regions. Colman emphasizes the legal challenges and need for bipartisan support to navigate this contentious landscape.

4 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 10min
Why clean energy groups are shifting right
Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, discusses a significant shift in clean energy advocacy as two major lobbying groups strengthen ties with the Republican party. He explores why this change is crucial now, highlighting increased GOP donations and efforts to promote bipartisan support for clean energy. Colman also dives into a Department of Energy report predicting a surge in energy demand from AI-driven data centers, raising urgent questions about future energy policies and their implications.

Jul 22, 2025 • 9min
From free market to favoritism: The GOP’s energy flip
Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, discusses the Republican Party's surprising shift in energy policy under Trump. They now favor fossil fuels and nuclear power, contradicting their previous stance against government favoritism in energy. The conversation dives into the impacts of this flip on America's global competitiveness and the polarization surrounding energy policies. Colman also highlights recent reports on EPA funding and how these changes affect business investments in the evolving energy landscape.

Jul 8, 2025 • 23min
How The 'Big Beautiful Bill' Is Bad for the Climate
Zack Colman, a climate and energy reporter for POLITICO, dives into the consequences of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He reveals how this legislation could ramp up greenhouse gas emissions and undermine U.S. climate goals. The discussion highlights urgent opportunities for homeowners to adopt solar energy before tax credits vanish. Colman also tackles America's competition in renewable tech against China, and the potential cutbacks to vital climate research that could hinder future efforts. Urgency for effective climate action is underscored amidst increasing extreme weather.

Jun 17, 2025 • 10min
Why federal workers say Trump’s actions are disrupting critical functions
Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, sheds light on the significant disruption within energy-related agencies due to Trump administration policies. Federal workers share their struggles with budget cuts and staffing losses, which hinder disaster response and scientific research. Colman reveals how internal conflicts exacerbate these challenges and emphasizes the paralysis affecting agencies like NOAA and EPA. The discussion also touches on the concerns federal employees have regarding funding freezes and the efficiency of government operations.

May 22, 2025 • 10min
The China question that’s dividing Republicans in megabill talks
Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, dives into the fierce rift within the Republican Party regarding clean energy strategies related to China's market dominance. He discusses the contrasting views on federal investments in clean energy and the implications of Trump's policies for America's competitive edge. Colman sheds light on how these internal conflicts complicate negotiations over significant legislation, and he examines the risks posed by retreating from the clean energy race amidst global competition.

May 16, 2025 • 10min
The hurricane-size staffing hole at the National Weather Service
Joining the discussion is Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO. He dives into the pressing staffing crisis at the National Weather Service, where hundreds of positions must be filled before hurricane season hits. Zack highlights the implications of these vacancies for disaster preparedness and community safety. Additionally, he covers the Trump administration's contentious investigation into over $15 billion in energy project awards from Biden's term, raising questions about the future of critical funding.

Apr 14, 2025 • 9min
Why scientists fear a brain drain in the U.S.
Zack Colman, a POLITICO reporter, discusses the looming brain drain of scientists from the U.S. due to recent presidential policies. He highlights how restrictions on funding and terminology are causing anxiety among researchers and international students. Colman warns that this exodus could damage America’s reputation as a leader in scientific inquiry and negatively impact the economy. The conversation also touches on how Europe is positioning itself to attract American talent, increasing pressure on the U.S. scientific community.

Mar 3, 2025 • 9min
How the climate movement is strategizing for Trump 2.0
In this discussion, Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, shares insights on the anxious mood within the environmental movement as they anticipate a second Trump administration. He highlights how green groups are reshaping their strategies to counter aggressive deregulation efforts and resonate with economic concerns that influenced recent elections. Colman underscores the importance of mobilization and fundraising for advocacy groups navigating the turbulent political landscape, making for an engaging analysis of resilience in climate activism.

Feb 26, 2025 • 10min
Inside the fight over $20 billion in EPA climate funding
Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, dives into the intense battle over $20 billion in EPA climate grants originally issued by the Biden administration. He discusses the Trump administration's push to reclaim these funds and the legal controversies surrounding it. Key figures, including grant recipients, present their case against accusations of waste. Colman also highlights the diverse political reactions and the implications for disadvantaged communities relying on this funding for energy efficiency projects.