COGR, AAU, and APLU Submit Letter to DOE on Order 142.3B

The letter, jointly authored by the leaders of the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), conveys deep concerns regarding the recent implementation of DOE Order 142.3B. This order, which updates previous regulations governing foreign nationals’ access to Department of Energy (DOE) research and technology, has introduced stringent foreign national screening requirements and eliminated certain exemptions previously available to U.S. universities. The associations acknowledge and support the DOE’s commitment to securing U.S. research from foreign threats, noting that their member institutions have made considerable efforts to enhance the protection of research activities. However, they contend that the new policy disrupts research progress by restricting the participation of international researchers—many of whom possess critical expertise—often without sufficient notice or the opportunity for timely screening.

The letter details adverse impacts resulting from these sudden policy changes, including the abrupt suspension of researchers, halted projects, and the forced redirection of students and staff to new projects or advisors. This has, according to the authors, undermined valuable DOE research efforts, eroded international talent recruitment, and jeopardized the nation’s competitive edge in scientific innovation. Further, the authors highlight the lack of community input and the indiscriminate application of the policy, affecting even those researchers operating on open, fundamental research projects meant for public dissemination. The associations urge the DOE to engage with university representatives to address these consequences and to review steps being taken by academic institutions to safeguard research security. They advocate for a more balanced approach that protects national interests while preserving the open, collaborative, and merit-based nature of U.S. research enterprise.