Clean Tomorrow Lays Out Five Steps to Build a DOE That Delivers
Washington, DC – Today, Clean Tomorrow released a new report, An Action Plan for a DOE That Delivers. This is the latest installment of the organization’s Re-Energizing America Initiative. The Action Plan is grounded in the four policy imperatives that must guide the next generation of energy innovation: economic opportunity, affordability, energy security and decarbonization.
Building on the initiative’s first report, Reclaiming American Leadership in Energy Innovation, which proposed a $25 billion investment in the Department of Energy (DOE) by 2030, the Action Plan provides practical recommendations for making DOE a modern, fit-for-purpose institution that serves as a reliable partner to American innovators and a trusted engine for the nation’s energy security and economic future.
Where the first report identified the destination, this Action Plan defines the path by offering five concrete recommendations to modernize the DOE and position it to meet today’s energy challenges:
- Build Seamless Innovation Pipeline: End “governance by announcement” and give one permanent office clear authority and accountability for moving clean energy technologies from lab to market.
- Improve Agility in Funding: Match funding tools to program objectives and level of risk and create a centralized hub to help DOE teams design better programs faster.
- Modernize Legal and Contracting Support: Appoint a dedicated legal advisor to cut through contractual bottlenecks and reform hiring and career incentives to attract and retain high-quality talent.
- Lower Barriers for Innovators: Create a “front door” to DOE that makes it easier for first-time applicants to navigate the system and apply for funding opportunities.
- Break Down Silos: Build collaboration into how DOE offices are assessed and rewarded, harmonize data systems across the department and protect joint initiatives from budget cuts with dedicated cross-program funding.
“With increasing electricity demand, new geopolitical threats and growing global competition, we need a DOE that is prepared to meet the moment,” said Claire C. Cody, co-author and Senior Innovation Policy Analyst at Clean Tomorrow. “Our recommendations are meant to be actionable and practical – immediate gains that empower DOE and its mission. An effective DOE is the cornerstone of reclaiming American leadership in energy innovation.”
The Action Plan calls for a DOE built on collaboration, timely guidance, and processes and resources aligned with the needs of each innovation stage.
“DOE programs touch everything from basic scientific research at universities and user facilities at national labs to large-scale demonstration and commercial energy projects,” said Marcela Mulholland, co-author and Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs at Clean Tomorrow. “Now more than ever, we need a DOE that is well-equipped to implement the funding it receives from Congress and deliver for the American people.”
Read An Action Plan for a DOE That Delivers here.
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About Clean Tomorrow
Clean Tomorrow is a nonpartisan, outcome-driven organization advancing practical solutions to decarbonize our future by building the coalitions and policies that accelerate the growth and innovation of clean energy. Learn more at https://cleantomorrow.org/.