The Trump administration is renaming the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to the National Laboratory of the Rockies. This is the latest step by the administration to redefine the attributes of federal agencies related to clean energy.
The laboratory in Golden, Colorado, is part of the U.S. Department of Energy and is one of 17 national laboratories managed by the department. According to its official website, the laboratory has long been committed to the research, development, commercialization and promotion of applications in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and has played a leading role in improving solar cell efficiency and wind energy technology innovation.
The name change officially takes effect on December 1. Previously, the Trump administration has launched a series of broad attacks on wind and solar energy, aiming to reshape the U.S. energy landscape and overturn the green energy agenda vigorously promoted by the previous administration.
Judd Foden, director of the laboratory, said: "For decades, our laboratory has continued to push technological boundaries with its scientific research capabilities and made important contributions to national development. The new name reflects the broader application of energy mission entrusted to us by the Department of Energy, which is to work hard to create a more economical and secure energy future for everyone."
Democrats, including Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennett, have pledged to ensure that even if the laboratory changes its name, it will continue to conduct pioneering research in the field of low-carbon energy.
“President Trump’s ‘Drill Baby Drill’ slogan will never solve the most complex energy challenges facing the United States,” Bennett said in a statement.