The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has its roots in the 1970s oil crisis. In 1974 President Gerald Ford signed a bill to create its precursor, the Solar Energy Research Institute. The 2021 budget for the lab was $464.3 million, with these amounts in millions going to renewable energy research:

Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 by environmentalists to promote awareness and encourage efforts to protect the planet. The theme for this year's event is "Our Planet, Our Power," inviting people across the globe to unite in support of renewable energy.