The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), has laid off 134 employees, marking the second round of job cuts at the laboratory since the Trump administration took office in January 2025.

The latest workforce reductions affect positions across both research and operations. In May 2025, the laboratory laid off 114 employees at its headquarters in Golden, Colorado, also impacting research and operational roles.

In a statement to PV Tech, an NLR spokesperson said: “Earlier this week, the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) implemented workforce actions affecting 134 employees across the laboratory, including roles in both research and operations. These actions were taken to adjust to existing and projected funding levels and alignment with DOE priorities. We recognise the meaningful contributions of those impacted and the role they have played in advancing the laboratory’s work.”

The laboratory did not specify which research programs were affected by the cuts.

The decision has drawn criticism from elected officials. US Representative Brittany Pettersen said the layoffs reflect broader federal workforce reductions under the current administration.

“Donald Trump has consistently put our federal workforce on the chopping block. These are people who work to make energy more affordable, conduct groundbreaking climate research, and keep our state up and running,” Pettersen said.

“Beyond being some of our country’s brightest minds, these are our community members, our neighbors who have families to support. Trump’s backwards agenda is going to undo the progress we’ve made to combat the climate crisis and have cascading effects on our economy. I’m deeply sorry to the employees whose livelihoods are now in jeopardy.”

The job cuts come amid ongoing uncertainty over federal energy funding and shifting Department of Energy priorities.