National Laboratory of the Rockies, based in Golden, axes another 134 positions
The National Laboratory of the Rockies Terminates 134 Employees
The National Laboratory of the Rockies made the difficult decision to let go of 134 employees on Monday, marking the second round of staff terminations in less than a year. Formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the facility cited the need to adjust to existing and projected funding levels and align with U.S. Department of Energy priorities.
David Glickson, a spokesperson for the National Laboratory of the Rockies, stated that the eliminated positions spanned both research and operations roles. The main campus of the lab, situated on a 327-acre campus in Golden, saw a significant number of cuts. Additionally, the lab operates the National Wind Technology Center in Boulder County, where workers contribute to the development of new wind turbine designs.
U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, representing the district that includes Golden, criticized the Trump administration for the staffing reductions. She emphasized the crucial role of the employees in advancing energy affordability, climate research, and state operations. Pettersen expressed concern for the impacts of these decisions on the country’s progress in addressing the climate crisis.
Despite the challenges faced by the National Laboratory of the Rockies, the organization continues its vital research efforts across multiple locations, including offices in Washington, D.C., and California, as well as a research site in Alaska. With nearly 4,000 employees, the lab remains committed to driving innovation in renewable energy and related fields.
As the national lab navigates through these changes, the legacy of its founding during the 1973 oil crisis remains evident. Originally established as the Solar Energy Research Institute and later renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the lab has been at the forefront of research in advanced optical materials, fuel synthesis catalysis, and renewable fuels.
Despite the recent workforce reductions, the National Laboratory of the Rockies continues to uphold its mission of advancing energy technologies and addressing critical environmental challenges.
