The U.S. Department of Energy is updating operating directives for its National Laboratories, plants, and sites to reduce outdated and duplicative requirements and streamline day-to-day operations. The goal is to give scientists, engineers, and technicians more time to focus on critical science, energy, and national security missions.
The reforms are part of the Trump administration’s broader “Gold Standard Science” initiative and are based on decades of recommendations from Congress, the Government Accountability Office, the National Academies, and other reviews. DOE says the changes will improve efficiency and stewardship of taxpayer resources while maintaining strict safety, security, and environmental standards.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the reforms are intended to remove unnecessary barriers and give the national laboratory workforce greater freedom to innovate. DOE says the changes will help its laboratories respond more quickly to emerging challenges and strengthen U.S. leadership in science, technology, and energy security.
