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The Trump cuts in funding force the US Renewable Energy Research Lab to lay off staff

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a research division of U.S. Department of Energy, which focuses on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, announced on Tuesday it had laid off 114 workers due to federal budget reductions, stop work orders, and new directives.

Why it's important

The reduction in staff at NREL in Golden, Colorado, reflects a broader trend of cuts to the Department of Energy's workforce under President Donald Trump. According to NREL's website, the staff reduction is about 3% of its 3,675 employees.

KEY QUOTE

"NREL's Mission continues to be crucial for achieving an affordable and secured energy future." The lab expressed its gratitude for the commitment and dedication of their staff in continuing to advance the work of the laboratory.

CONTEXT

The layoffs are part of a larger downsizing by the federal government, under Trump. NREL falls under the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Last week, a White House budget proposal sought to cut $2.6 billion from EERE. This is in line with Trump’s desire to increase fossil fuels while shunning clean energy technologies.

NREL is a part of DOE's 17 national laboratories. The majority are managed by contractors. NREL's management is shared by Battelle, MRIGlobal and MRI. (Reporting and editing by Edward Tobin; Nichola Groom)

(source: Reuters)