The Trump administration continues to push forward with its anti-renewables agenda, with the United States Department of Energy announcing it has renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR).
“The energy crisis we face today is unlike the crisis that gave rise to NREL,” said Assistant Secretary of Energy (EERE) Audrey Robertson.
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“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. The National Lab of the Rockies will play a vital role in those efforts.”
“For decades, this laboratory and its scientific capabilities have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible and delivered impact to the nation,” NLR laboratory director Jud Virden said.
“This new name embraces a broader applied energy mission entrusted to us by the Department of Energy to deliver a more affordable and secure energy future for all.”
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NREL was founded in response to the 1973 energy crisis, carrying out research and development in renewable energy, and related technologies and research.
The laboratory employs approximately 3,000 people. According to CBS, 114 employees at NREL were laid off from both research and operations departments.
