203: How Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is The Undoing of Climate Progress
August 21, 2025
In this critical episode of Climate Change with Matt Mattern, we dissect Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" and its far-reaching implications for America's climate future. We’re joined by a powerhouse panel featuring climate economist Dr. Gernot Wagner, policy expert Lucero Marquez, and clean energy reporter Dan Gearino to explore how this legislation threatens renewable energy projects, environmental protections, and public health. Whether you're concerned about rising energy costs, environmental justice, or climate policy, this discussion reveals the economic and health impacts of rolling back clean energy progress while offering insights into how communities can mobilize to protect climate action gains.
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The Trump administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill" threatens to reverse years of clean energy progress and environmental protections, raising urgent concerns about climate policy and public health.
In this special livestream episode of Climate Change with Matt Mattern, host Matt brings together a powerhouse panel including Dr. Gernot Wagner (Climate Economist, Columbia Business School), Lucero Marquez (Center for American Progress), and Dan Gearino (InsideClimate News) to analyze the implications of this controversial climate policy shift.
What You'll Learn:
In this special livestream episode of Climate Change with Matt Mattern, host Matt brings together a powerhouse panel including Dr. Gernot Wagner (Climate Economist, Columbia Business School), Lucero Marquez (Center for American Progress), and Dan Gearino (InsideClimate News) to analyze the implications of this controversial climate policy shift.
What You'll Learn:
- Why the bill's rollback of renewable energy incentives could jeopardize 2,500 wind and solar projects equivalent to 383 nuclear reactors
- How the legislation threatens rural economies, with farmers potentially losing up to $350,000 in wind turbine revenue over 10 years
- Why public health costs from increased pollution could reverse decades of clean air progress, including the prevention of 200,000 deaths annually
- How the Endangerment Finding rollback threatens EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases
- The economic case for energy efficiency and why newer technologies like LED lighting deliver superior results
- How public mobilization and grassroots organizing successfully prevented public land sell-offs and could help combat future policy reversals
About the Guest(s):
- Dr. Gernot Wagner is a climate economist at Columbia Business School and Faculty Director of the Climate Knowledge Initiative. He has authored six books, including "Climate Shock" and "Geoengineering: The Gamble," focusing on climate risks, technologies, and policies. His research expertise in climate economics and policy provides valuable insights on the economic implications of climate legislation and energy transition.
- Lucero Marquez serves as Associate Director of Federal Climate Policy at the Center for American Progress. With a background in meteorology, she specializes in renewable energy development, building decarbonization, and environmental justice at the national level. Her expertise bridges the technical aspects of climate science with policy implementation and environmental equity concerns.
- Dan Gearino is an award-winning reporter at InsideClimate News covering the business and politics of clean energy. His reporting expertise focuses on connecting policy decisions in Washington to their real-world impacts on renewable energy development, particularly in states like Iowa, where wind energy has become an essential part of the power grid and rural economy.
Episode Resources
- Dr. Gernot Wagner on LinkedIn
- Lucero Marquez on LinkedIn
- Dan Gearino on LinkedIn
- One Big Beautiful Bill Act
- Articles:
- Matt Matern on LinkedIn
- A Climate Change on Apple
- A Climate Change on Spotify
- A Climate Change on YouTube
More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern
A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights.
The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives.
More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action.
The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future.
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- Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link]
- How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link]
- Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link]
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