Q&A with Coleman Nickum: 2025 Energy Policy Fellow
Coleman, can you start by telling us a little about yourself?
My name is Coleman Nickum; I recently graduated from Rice University’s Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program. I am originally from Beaumont, Texas, but my professional and academic career has taken me across the state. I earned my undergraduate degree at Baylor University in Waco, worked at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Austin, and then moved to Houston for my Master’s program at Rice. I’m excited to be back in Austin during the 89th legislative session, especially working with Representative Erin Zwiener’s office. It’s rewarding to support a member who is deeply committed to Central Texas and the communities she serves in House District 45.
What led you to exploring a career in energy policy?
Coleman Nickum
“If you want to influence the energy transition or push for better environmental outcomes, you must understand how the rules are made. This fellowship gives me a front-row seat to that process.”
Growing up in the Golden Triangle, I saw firsthand how deeply tied my community was to the energy industry. Surrounded by major oil refineries and natural gas processing facilities that shape the local economy, it became clear early on that energy policy wasn’t some distant concept; it was a mechanism that directly influenced the environmental and economic outcomes of my region of Texas.
The real turning point came during a summer internship with an LNG exporter. It opened my eyes to how even international energy companies are governed by policies at every level: local, state, and federal. That experience cemented my belief that if you want to influence the energy transition or push for better environmental outcomes, you must understand how the rules are made. This fellowship gives me a front-row seat to that process. I’m seeing how laws are crafted, negotiated, and passed, and I honestly can’t imagine passing up the chance to be part of that.
What have you been working on during this legislative session?
In Representative Zwiener’s office, I’ve had the opportunity to apply my environmental policy training to a wide range of legislative responsibilities. Much of my work has involved supporting the development of bills focused on water conservation, sustainable wildlife management, and carbon capture and sequestration. My primary assignment, however, has been staffing the House Natural Resources Committee, where Rep. Zwiener serves as a member. In this capacity, I’ve been responsible for analyzing the policy and technical implications of proposed bills and collaborating with both advocacy organizations and industry representatives to better understand the potential impacts.
In addition to my work within the office, I’ve had the unique opportunity to support the Texas Energy and Climate Caucus (TECC). I’ve worked closely with the caucus’s Executive Director, Patricia Zavala, on several initiatives designed to increase legislative engagement around Texas’ energy and climate issues. My responsibilities have included assisting with caucus membership recruitment, coordinating policy meetings with other representatives’ offices, and preparing high-level reports to help legislators navigate upcoming votes on significant energy-related bills. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role has been my work with the TECC Bipartisan Policy Committee. I’ve been tasked with drafting policy summaries and legislative recommendations that help the committee determine whether the caucus should formally endorse specific bills. This process has given me valuable insight into how caucuses influence policy outcomes by shaping the internal dialogue among legislators and elevating energy issues as a shared priority across party lines.
What have been your most valuable takeaways so far?
One of the most valuable takeaways from this fellowship has been recognizing how I can apply my technical background to translate complex environmental and energy issues into clear, actionable policy recommendations. Operating in a fast-paced legislative environment has pushed me to think critically, synthesize information quickly, and communicate effectively, all while continuing to learn and adapt on a daily basis.
I would also add that I gained a deeper understanding of navigating the Capitol – knowing who to talk to, when to engage, and how to build relationships that help advance meaningful legislation. That level of strategic awareness is difficult to acquire in a traditional office setting; it comes from being immersed in the legislative process and learning that policymaking often depends less on formal procedures and more on trust, timing, and informal collaboration.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you?
After this session, I plan to pursue a technical certification that will position me for success in the sustainability sector, whether through consulting roles, in-house ESG reporting, or advisory work focused on climate strategy and compliance. I’m also actively exploring opportunities to apply the skills I’ve gained at the Capitol, particularly policy analysis and stakeholder engagement, to the renewable energy marketplace.
Wherever I end up, this fellowship has been one of the most formative professional experiences of my career so far. Having worked across nonprofit, corporate, and state agency settings, I can confidently say that nothing compares to the day-to-day intensity, urgency, and learning curve of the Texas Capitol. I’m deeply grateful to the PowerHouse Texas leadership team for making this experience possible, and especially thankful to the network of Fellows. Being part of such a supportive group has been energizing, and I’ve learned just as much from them as I have from the work itself.