GOLDEN, Colo. — The U.S. Department of Energy has renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, shifting the Golden-based facility to a new identity – the National Laboratory of the Rockies.

The change, announced Monday, is effective immediately and will appear in all public communications and official documents.

In a news release announcing the change, Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson said the updated name reflects the Trump administration’s energy priorities.

“The energy crisis we face today is unlike the crisis that gave rise to NREL,” Robertson said in the announcement. “We are no longer picking and choosing energy sources. Our highest priority is to invest in the scientific capabilities that will restore American manufacturing, drive down costs, and help this country meet its soaring energy demand. The National Lab of the Rockies will play a vital role in those efforts.”

Laboratory director Jud Virden said the new name underscores the lab’s broadened applied-energy mission.

“For decades, this laboratory and its scientific capabilities have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible and delivered impact to the nation,” Virden said. “This new name embraces a broader applied energy mission entrusted to us by the Department of Energy to deliver a more affordable and secure energy future for all.”

Founded in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, NREL has long focused on developing renewable and energy-efficient technologies across the energy system, from generation to distribution.