New organizational structure for the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation will channel federal resources to the most pressing energy and national security challenges of the 21st century.
Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation
January 28, 2026
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WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) today formalized the realignment of a range of programs pertaining to critical minerals, manufacturing, federal codes and standards, and energy technology research and development. This realignment reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to fortify America’s critical mineral supply chains to strengthen national security, promote affordability and consumer choice, and reestablish American leadership in energy innovation.
“Our new energy challenges demand a new orientation for the federal programs that are best positioned to meet them,” said Assistant Secretary of Energy (EERE) Audrey Robertson. “Under this realignment, the Department can more effectively direct its resources to meet an unprecedented surge in demand for energy and the critical minerals that underpin the modern economy.”
Effective immediately, CMEI will be divided into three pillars, each of which will be led by a corresponding Deputy Assistant Secretary.
The Office of Critical Minerals, Materials, and Manufacturing will accelerate mining activities, diversify supply chains for critical minerals and metals, expand battery and magnet research, stimulate innovation in processing and metallurgy, and facilitate the recycling of black mass, battery materials, and other critical minerals.
The Office of Energy Technology will continue to lead the world in research and development for cutting-edge energy technologies, fuels, chemicals, and hydropower. This office will also drive the commercialization and deployment of technologies that enhance energy networks across the United States and reduce the cost of energy for American ratepayers.
The Office of Innovation, Affordability, and Consumer Choice will exercise DOE’s appliance standards and building codes authority, with an emphasis on fact-based analysis, process transparency, and consumer choice and affordability. The office also oversees and manages multiple state and community energy and weatherization programs. This office will promote innovation and the adoption of new and beneficial technologies for buildings and industrial applications.
The realignment of CMEI’s constituent programs follows the renaming and reorganization of the office in November 2025. To learn more, visit the CMEI homepage.