“Renewable” no more: Trump admin renames the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

In a significant move, the Trump administration has officially rebranded the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, now known as the National Laboratory of the Rockies. This change marks a pivotal shift in the identity of the esteemed Colorado institution, which has long been at the forefront of research in wind, solar, and other renewable energy technologies. Jud Virden, the laboratory director, commented on the new name, stating that it reflects a broader vision for the lab's applied energy research. This vision appears to move away from a historical emphasis on alternative and renewable energy sources while honoring the natural beauty of the lab’s location in Golden, Colorado. However, he did not elaborate on what this vision entails for the lab’s ongoing programs or its workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The renaming aligns with a series of initiatives by the Trump administration aimed at reducing the emphasis on renewable energy within the federal government, simultaneously increasing support for fossil fuels. In response to inquiries about the implications of the name change, the Department of Energy indicated that it signifies a renewed focus on 'energy addition' rather than prioritizing specific energy resources. Bill Ritter, who served as Colorado's governor from 2007 to 2011, expressed concern that this name change may indicate a retreat from the lab's established reputation as a leader in energy research. He recalled a past visit to Israel, where the head of their renewable energy laboratory acknowledged the lab’s global standing, saying, 'I have nothing to tell you because you come from the place that has the best renewable energy laboratory in the world.' Ritter's remarks highlight the potential implications of this rebranding for the lab's future and its legacy in energy innovation.