In the sustainability and renewable energy realms, perhaps the best word to describe 2025 federal policy changes is “silly.” Another word could be “disconnected” (pun intended). Others may come to mind as well, but few are complimentary. Case in point: The Hill reported that
“The Trump administration on Monday stripped the words ‘renewable’ and ‘energy’ from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory name, furthering White House directives to abandon clean energy sources.
On Monday, the Department of Energy renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to the National Laboratory of the Rockies announcing that the change is effective immediately and will be reflected in all public communications and official correspondence.”
It is easy to get on social media and comment with facial expression emojis or “SMH,” but this action by the White House highlights that old ways of discussing sustainability – even those that are seemingly as harmless as “renewable energy” – carry risk. This is yet another example of why sustainability professionals need to move from old framing, concepts and buzzwords to clear and definitive business value. Full access members can look to our Guidebook Simplifying ESG/Sustainability Business Value for help and ideas.
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