About the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

EERE drives U.S. leadership in the research, development, validation, and effective utilization of energy technologies and processes, ensuring an integrated energy system that is affordable, reliable, resilient, secure, and clean.

Innovation

EERE's research, development, and demonstration activities are organized among the following three pillars:

EERE Leadership & Offices

The History of EERE

From the launch of federal energy and research agencies in the 1970s to legislation dedicating resources to renewable energy research, EERE has a rich history that has shaped its mission. In this timeline, find out about the visionaries and programs that solidified EERE as a leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

 

U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

1973

The origins of the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) go back to 1973 and 1974, when the Federal Energy Administration, Energy Research and Development Administration and Energy Resource Council were first established.

In 1978, the National Energy Act reorganized those predecessor agencies and the Atomic Energy Commission under the new cabinet-level Department of Energy (DOE). That Act also established the Office of Conservation and Solar Energy (CSE) within DOE.

In 1981, the Energy Secretary created the Office of Conservation and Renewable Energy (CRE), folding in CSE and broadening its mission. In 1992, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act. Soon after, CRE was renamed as the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

EERE remains on the cutting edge of American energy innovation, spurring cost-effective solutions in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation.

President Nixon establishes the Energy Policy Office

June 29, 1973

The office is responsible for formulating and coordinating energy policies at the presidential level.

President Nixon launches Project Independence

November 7, 1973

The goal of this initiative is for the U.S. to achieve energy self-sufficiency by 1980.

President Nixon establishes the Federal Energy Administration

May 7, 1974

The new agency directed broad energy conservation measures and long-term energy planning.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-…

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President Ford signs the Energy Reorganization Act

October 11, 1974

President Ford signs the Energy Reorganization Act. The Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) and Energy Resource Council are established.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-…

Energy Policy and Conservation Act

December 22, 1975

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act is signed to increase energy production and supply, reduce energy demand, provide energy efficiency, and give the executive branch additional powers to respond to disruptions in energy supply.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-…

Solar Energy Research Institute

March 24, 1977

The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), a Federal facility dedicated to finding and improving ways to harness and use energy from the sun, is established in Golden, Colorado.

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Department of Energy Organization Act

August 4, 1977 — October 1, 1977

President Carter signs the Department of Energy Organization Act (Aug. 4), consolidating the FEA, ERDA, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. James Schlesinger is sworn in as first Energy Secretary (Aug. 5). The Department of Energy (DOE) is activated along with the Office of Conservation & Solar Applications (CSA) (Oct 1).
www.usbr.gov/power/legislation…

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National Energy Act

November 9, 1978

President Carter signs the National Energy Act that includes the Energy Tax Act to promote fuel efficiency and renewable energy tax credits. He also signs the National Conservation Policy Act, which establishes the Office of Conservation and Solar Energy (CSE) to replace the CSA.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-…
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-…

President Carter promises to increase subsidies for alternative fuel technologies

June 20, 1979

President Carter invites the media to the roof of the White House to see the new solar panel display and promises to increase subsidies for alternative fuel technologies.

Charles Duncan, Jr

August 24, 1979

Charles Duncan, Jr. is sworn in as Energy Secretary

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Tom Stelson

October 1, 1979

Tom Stelson, then Vice President for Research at the Georgia Institute of Technology, is confirmed as the DOE Assistant Secretary for the CSE.

Energy Security Act

June 30, 1980

President Carter signs the Energy Security Act, which encompasses the following legislation: Renewable Energy Resources Act, Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act, Geothermal Energy Act, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-…

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James B. Edwards

January 1981

James B. Edwards is sworn in as Energy Secretary.

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Office of Conservation & Renewable Energy

February 25, 1981

The CSE is renamed to the Office of Conservation & Renewable Energy (CRE).

Joseph Tribble

May 1981

Joseph Tribble, an engineer and supervisor at the Union Camp Corp., is sworn in as the DOE Assistant Secretary for the CRE.

Donald Paul Hodel

November 11, 1982

Donald Paul Hodel is sworn in as Energy Secretary.

CRE abolished

November 19, 1984

The CRE is abolished under the Reagan Administration.

Energy Secretary Hodel dedicates the Field Test Laboratory at SERI in Golden, Colorado

February 1985

This reflected the Department’s support of state-of-the-art research and development in solar energy technology.

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John Herrington

February 7, 1985

John Herrington is sworn in as Energy Secretary.

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CRE reestablished

March 12, 1985

The CRE is reestablished.

Donna Fitzgerald

November 1985

Donna Fitzgerald, a former legal consultant to DOE and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for CRE, is confirmed as the DOE Assistant Secretary for the CRE.

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John Berg

October 21, 1988

John Berg is nominated to be the DOE Assistant Secretary for the CRE.

Admiral James Watkins

March 9, 1989

Admiral James Watkins is sworn in as Energy Secretary.

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J. Michael Davis

July 1989

J. Michael Davis, a former SERI manager and energy industry executive, is confirmed as the DOE Assistant Secretary for the CRE.

President George Bush elevates SERI to a national laboratory status

June 1991

President George Bush elevates SERI to a national laboratory status and renames the facility the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).

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Energy Policy Act of 1992

October 1992

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 is passed, including tax incentives for renewable energy and energy conservation, tax exemptions to promote alternative motor fuels like ethanol blends, and support for electric vehicle demonstration programs.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-…

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Hazel O’Leary

January 22, 1993

Hazel O’Leary is sworn in as Energy Secretary.

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DOE reorganization

April 1993 — May 1993

Energy Secretary Hazel O’Leary announces a DOE reorganization. Assistant Secretary Christine Ervin, then-director of the Oregon Department of Energy, is named to head the newly renamed Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE).

Federico Peña

March 12, 1997

Federico Peña is sworn in as Energy Secretary.

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Million Solar Roofs initiative

June 26, 1997

President Clinton announces the Million Solar Roofs initiative, which aims to install solar energy systems on one million U.S. buildings by 2010.

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Daniel Reicher

January 1998

Daniel Reicher, who previously served as Chief of Staff to Energy Secretary O'Leary, is confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for EERE.

Bill Richardson

August 18, 1998

Bill Richardson is sworn in as Energy Secretary.
energy.gov/diversity/contribut…

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Green Energy Parks Program

April 27, 1999

EERE launches the Green Energy Parks Program with the National Park Service to demonstrate and promote energy efficient and renewable energy technologies in 20+ U.S. national parks.

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Wind Powering America Initiative

June 1999

EERE launches the Wind Powering America Initiative, which seeks to advance wind energy development and use throughout America. The initiative set a goal of providing 5% of the nation's electricity from wind power by 2020, with the federal government leading the way by buying 5% of its electricity from wind power by 2010.
www.nrel.gov/docs/fy11osti/499…
www.nrel.gov/docs/fy01osti/298…

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Executive Order 13123

June 9, 1999

President Clinton issues an executive order requiring all federal agencies to cut their building energy use by 35% (relative to 1985 levels) by 2010, and cut building greenhouse gas emissions by 30% (relative to 1990) in the same time period.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-1999-…

Spencer Abraham

January 20, 2001

Spencer Abraham is sworn in as Energy Secretary.

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David Garman

May 25, 2001

David Garman is sworn in as the DOE Assistant Secretary for the EERE.

Economic stimulus bill

March 8, 2002

President George W. Bush signs an economic stimulus bill that includes several tax credits to benefit energy producers and consumers. This includes an estimated $1 billion in tax credit for power generators producing electricity from renewable sources and $150 million in tax credits for consumers purchasing electric vehicles.

Solar Decathlon

September 19, 2002

The first ever Solar Decathlon is held in Washington, D.C. The Solar Decathlon is an international competition that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house.
www.solardecathlon.gov/

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Hydrogen Fuel Initiative

January 28, 2003

In his State of the Union address, President Bush announces a $1.2 billion Hydrogen Fuel Initiative to reverse the nation's growing dependence on foreign oil by developing the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells.
www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogena…

Samuel Bodman

January 31, 2005

Samuel Bodman is sworn in as Energy Secretary.

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Alexander “Andy” Karsner

June 2005

Alexander “Andy” Karsner is sworn in as The DOE Assistant Secretary for the EERE

Energy Policy Act of 2005

August 10, 2005

President Bush signs the Energy Policy Act of 2005 into law, creating new tax credits for energy efficiency and renewable energy, a national Renewable Fuels Standard that requires alternative fuels, a requirement to increase energy efficiency in federal buildings, and a 3-week extension of Daylight Saving Time.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-109…

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Solar America Initiative

January 2006

EERE helps launch the Solar America Initiative to help accelerate the widespread acceptance of clean solar energy technologies in commercial and residential settings throughout the United States by 2015.
www.nrel.gov/docs/fy07osti/409…
energy.gov/sites/prod/files/ed…

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Science & Technology Facility

July 7, 2006

Secretary Bodman cuts the ribbon to officially open the Science & Technology Facility at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in Golden, Colorado.

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Energy Independence and Security Act

December 19, 2007

President Bush signs the Energy Independence and Security Act to increase production of clean renewable fuels and increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles. It also includes initiatives to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-110…

Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative

January 28, 2008

EERE and the State of Hawaii to sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, a long-term partnership designed to transform Hawaii's energy system to one that uses renewable energy and energy efficient technologies for a significant portion of its energy needs.

Zero-Net Energy Commercial Building Initiative

August 5, 2008

EERE announces the launch of DOE's Zero-Net Energy Commercial Building Initiative with the establishment of the National Laboratory Collaborative on Building Technologies.
www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings…
www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings…

Steven Chu

January 21, 2009

Steven Chu is sworn in as Energy Secretary.

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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

February 19, 2009

President Barack Obama signs the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides $16.8 billion in supplemental appropriations to EERE, funds smart grid deployments throughout the country, provides loans for advanced automotive technologies and advanced energy manufacturing, and provides funds for high-speed rail.
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111…

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Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program

March 26, 2009

Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary Chu announce plans to invest $3.2 billion in energy efficiency and conservation projects across the nation, known as The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

Catherine Zoi

March 27, 2009

Catherine Zoi, formerly the founding chief executive officer of the Alliance for Climate Protection, is named DOE Assistant Secretary for EERE.

SunShot Initiative 2020

February 4, 2011

Secretary Chu announces details regarding the EERE’s SunShot Initiative to reduce the total costs of photovoltaic solar energy systems by 75% by 2020.
energy.gov/eere/sunshot/about-…

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National Offshore Wind Strategy

February 7, 2011

EERE releases its National Offshore Wind Strategy, a strategic plan for accelerating the responsible deployment of offshore wind energy in the United States. This publication serves as a blueprint to achieve 54GW of deployed offshore wind generating capacity by 2030.
PDF

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David Danielson

March 29, 2012

David Danielson is confirmed as EERE Assistant Secretary.

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EERE and the Department of Defense commit to 3 GW of renewable energy

April 11, 2012

In collaboration with EERE, the Department of Defense announces it is set to make one of the largest commitments to renewable energy in history, with a new goal to deploy 3 gigawatts of renewable energy—including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal—on military installations by 2025--enough to power 750,000 homes.

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L Prize Competition

April 22, 2012

Philips Lighting North America’s 60W incandescent replacement bulb, the 1st winner of the EERE’s L Prize Competition, hits retails shelves on Earth Day. The L Prize spurs the development of new, ultra-efficient lighting products to replace common light sources in order to realize significant lighting energy savings through widespread product adoption. The 60W LED incandescent bulb produces an average savings of 83%.
PDF

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Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative

March 26, 2013

EERE launches the Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative (CEMI), a new Department initiative focused on growing American manufacturing of clean energy products and boosting U.S. competitiveness through major improvements in manufacturing energy productivity.
energy.gov/eere/cemi/about-cle…
energy.gov/under-secretary-sci…

Ernest Moniz

May 21, 2013

Ernest Moniz assumes office as Energy Secretary.

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Climate Action Plan

June 25, 2013

President Obama announces the Climate Action Plan, a national plan for tackling climate change that entails numerous renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.
PDF

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2014-2018 Strategic Plan

April 7, 2014

DOE releases its 2014-2018 Strategic Plan. The goals of this strategic blueprint include the advancement of the President’s Climate Action Plan by supporting prudent development, deployment, and efficient use of energy technologies that also create new jobs and industries.
energy.gov/sites/prod/files/20…

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Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy

July 17, 2014

EERE announces the launch of the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE). This is a research site in the U.S. to develop and test new technologies for Enhanced Geothermal Systems, which are the next frontier in geothermal energy. These systems are human-made geothermal reservoirs with the potential to generate approximately 100 gigawatts (GW) of renewable, baseload power in the United States-–about 10% of current U.S. power production capacity.
energy.gov/eere/forge/about-fo…

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Clean Energy Investment Initiative

February 10, 2015

The Obama Administration announces the launch of its Clean Energy Investment Initiative to catalyze $2 billion of expanded private sector investment to address climate change, including innovative technologies with breakthrough potential to reduce carbon pollution.
obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/t…
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Wind Vision report

March 12, 2015

EERE releases its Wind Vision report, a highly anticipated analysis of America’s wind energy industry that charts the future of wind power through 2050 and underscores the economic and environmental benefits that steady growth will make possible.
PDF
energy.gov/eere/wind/wind-visi…

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Mission Innovation

April 22, 2016

The U.S. signs the Paris Agreement outlined during the COP21. EERE is involved in this historic international agreement includes Mission Innovation, an initiative aimed to address global climate change, provide affordable renewable energy to consumers—including in the developing world—and create additional commercial opportunities.
obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/t…
mission-innovation.net/

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National Lab Impact Summit

May 4, 2016

EERE hosts a National Lab Impact Summit to celebrate recent National Laboratory successes and bring together the nation’s public- and private-sector energy leaders to formulate the next stage of energy innovation. The event, held at NREL, highlighted the programs of EERE’s National Laboratory Impact Initiative, which help businesses better use resources at our national laboratories and emphasize product commercialization.
energy.gov/eere/technology-to-…

Hydropower Vision

July 26, 2016

EERE’s Water Power Program announces the Hydropower Vision to establish an ambitious roadmap to usher in a new era of growth in sustainable domestic hydropower over the next half century.
energy.gov/eere/water/new-visi…
energy.gov/eere/water/articles…

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U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

President Nixon establishes the Energy Policy Office

President Nixon launches Project Independence

President Nixon establishes the Federal Energy Administration

President Ford signs the Energy Reorganization Act

Energy Policy and Conservation Act

Solar Energy Research Institute

Department of Energy Organization Act

National Energy Act

President Carter promises to increase subsidies for alternative fuel technologies

Charles Duncan, Jr

Tom Stelson

Energy Security Act

James B. Edwards

Office of Conservation & Renewable Energy

Joseph Tribble

Donald Paul Hodel

CRE abolished

Energy Secretary Hodel dedicates the Field Test Laboratory at SERI in Golden, Colorado

John Herrington

CRE reestablished

Donna Fitzgerald

John Berg

Admiral James Watkins

J. Michael Davis

President George Bush elevates SERI to a national laboratory status

Energy Policy Act of 1992

Hazel O’Leary

DOE reorganization

Federico Peña

Million Solar Roofs initiative

Daniel Reicher

Bill Richardson

Green Energy Parks Program

Wind Powering America Initiative

Executive Order 13123

Spencer Abraham

David Garman

Economic stimulus bill

Solar Decathlon

Hydrogen Fuel Initiative

Samuel Bodman

Alexander “Andy” Karsner

Energy Policy Act of 2005

Solar America Initiative

Science & Technology Facility

Energy Independence and Security Act

Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative

Zero-Net Energy Commercial Building Initiative

Steven Chu

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program

Catherine Zoi

SunShot Initiative 2020

National Offshore Wind Strategy

David Danielson

EERE and the Department of Defense commit to 3 GW of renewable energy

L Prize Competition

Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative

Ernest Moniz

Climate Action Plan

2014-2018 Strategic Plan

Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy

Clean Energy Investment Initiative

Wind Vision report

Mission Innovation

National Lab Impact Summit

Hydropower Vision

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