The Department of Energy announced Monday it is renaming the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado, adding to the Trump administration’s efforts to rebrand offices focused on wind, solar and low-carbon power.
The lab is now called the “National Laboratory of the Rockies,” which a DOE statement said would be reflected in all official correspondence.
“The energy crisis we face today is unlike the crisis that gave rise to NREL,” said Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. “We are no longer picking and choosing energy sources. Our highest priority is to invest in the scientific capabilities that will restore American manufacturing, drive down costs, and help this country meet its soaring energy demand.”
It is not fully clear if the rebrand will affect specific programs, although wind and solar remain listed as research areas on NREL’s website. When asked if the lab is cutting or renaming internal programs, NREL spokesperson David Glickson said “no such changes are planned at this time. Program funding is determined by the appropriations process.”
