National Lab in Rockies Lays Off 134 More Workers

Cuts come after previous layoffs and a name change from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The National Laboratory of the Rockies, formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, has laid off another 134 employees, according to reports. This latest round of cuts follows the elimination of 114 positions in May and a name change two months ago that dropped 'renewable energy' from the lab's title.

Why it matters

The layoffs at the National Laboratory of the Rockies, a major research institution in the Rocky Mountain region, signal shifting priorities and funding levels from the U.S. Department of Energy, which oversees the facility. The job losses could impact the local economy and the lab's ability to conduct important scientific research.

The details

In a statement, a lab spokesperson said the latest workforce actions were taken 'to adjust to existing and projected funding levels and alignment with (Department of Energy) priorities.' The lab recognized the 'meaningful contributions' of the 134 employees who were let go, who worked in both research and operations roles.

  • The National Laboratory of the Rockies laid off 134 employees on February 10, 2026.
  • In May 2025, the lab eliminated 114 positions.
  • Two months ago, in late 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy renamed the facility, dropping 'renewable energy' from the name.

The players

National Laboratory of the Rockies

Formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, this is a major research institution in the Rocky Mountain region that conducts scientific work on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy.

David Glickson

A spokesperson for the National Laboratory of the Rockies.

U.S. Department of Energy

The federal agency that oversees and provides funding for the National Laboratory of the Rockies.

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What they’re saying

“Today, the National Laboratory of the Rockies 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 (Department of Energy) priorities. We recognize the meaningful contributions of those impacted and the role they have played in advancing the laboratory's work.”

— David Glickson, Spokesperson (The Colorado Sun)

The takeaway

The layoffs at the National Laboratory of the Rockies reflect broader shifts in the priorities and funding of the U.S. Department of Energy, which could have significant impacts on the lab's scientific research capabilities and the local economy in the Rocky Mountain region.