DOE Lab in Alaska Drops “Renewable” From Name: A Symbolic and Expensive Waste of Time
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been renamed the National Laboratory of the Rockies by the Trump administration, reflecting a shift away from its focus on renewable energy. The U.S. Department of Energy stated the change aims to prioritize broader scientific capabilities and address soaring energy demands. This change has raised concerns among organizations involved in renewable energy projects, particularly in Alaska, where NREL partners with the Cold Climate Housing Research Center. This alteration is part of a series of name changes by the Trump administration, which have included renaming the Gulf of Mexico and Denali Peak.