Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday announced a formal realignment of programs within its Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, restructuring the office to better address national security, affordability, and energy technology challenges.
The reorganization reflects priorities of the Trump Administration to fortify domestic critical mineral supply chains, promote consumer choice, and reestablish U.S. leadership in energy innovation, according to the department.
“Our new energy challenges demand a new orientation for the federal programs that are best positioned to meet them,” said Audrey Robertson, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. She said the changes will allow the department to better respond to rising demand for energy and the minerals that support modern technologies.
Effective immediately, the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, known as Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI), will be divided into three pillars, each led by a Deputy Assistant Secretary.
The Office of Critical Minerals, Materials, and Manufacturing will focus on accelerating mining activities, diversifying supply chains, expanding battery and magnet research, advancing processing and metallurgy innovation, and supporting recycling of battery materials and other critical minerals.
The Office of Energy Technology will continue leading research and development in advanced energy technologies, fuels, chemicals, and hydropower, while also supporting commercialization and deployment efforts aimed at strengthening energy networks and reducing costs for ratepayers.
The Office of Innovation, Affordability, and Consumer Choice will oversee DOE authority related to appliance standards and building codes, emphasizing transparency, fact-based analysis, affordability, and consumer choice. This office will also manage state and community energy and weatherization programs and promote adoption of new technologies in buildings and industrial settings.
DOE officials said the realignment follows the renaming and reorganization of CMEI in November 2025 and is intended to sharpen the department’s focus as energy demand and critical mineral needs continue to grow.
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