The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Mar. 26 that it will move its headquarters from the James V. Forrestal Building to the Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) building, in partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The LBJ building currently serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Education.
The DOE said this relocation will save taxpayers over $350 million in deferred maintenance and modernization costs, aligning with efforts to eliminate waste and promote efficiency within government agencies.
“Relocating to the LBJ building will deliver significant taxpayer savings and will ensure the Energy Department continues to deliver on its mission,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “We look forward to working closely with the General Services Administration and the Education Department throughout this process.” The DOE stated that all staff from Forrestal will be reassigned either to LBJ, DOE Germantown Campus, Portals, or 950 L’Enfant.
GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst said, “GSA is partnering with the Department of Education and the Department of Energy to match their missions of tomorrow with ideal environments that powers their talented workforce, cuts waste, and lowers costs. This is the government working smarter for the American people. I want to thank Secretary Wright and Secretary McMahon for their positive energy and collaboration in executing President Trump’s directive to strengthen the government’s real estate portfolio.” According to Forst, this effort supports a broader strategy by streamlining federal real estate use while supporting a high-performing workforce.
In recent years, DOE has launched several initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency across federal facilities as well as nationwide programs supporting clean energy transitions according to an announcement about a $225 million program funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, the department has encouraged international cooperation on clean energy transitions through events such as inviting participation in Pittsburgh’s Global Clean Energy Action Forum.
Technology development also remains a focus area; William White from DOE’s Office of Environmental Management highlighted before Congress how national laboratories are involved in cleanup missions through innovation. Other projects include using passive processes like crushed marble at Savannah River Site for groundwater treatment as reported by DOE Office of Environmental Management, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure via funding opportunities totaling $96 million according to another department announcement, and launching more than 140 programs supporting President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aimed at directing investments toward disadvantaged communities as outlined by DOE.
This relocation marks another step in ongoing efforts across multiple administrations—both current and previous—to improve operational efficiency within federal agencies while advancing environmental stewardship.
