What is the US Department of Energy doing about accessibility?

It might surprise you to find out that the Department of Energy has anything at all to do with accessibility.

As background, we need to understand the focus of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This US federal legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity that receives federal finances. This requirement applies to the Department of Energy, along with many other federal, state, and local entities / projects.

In May, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) has determined that accessibility standards for new construction projects are “unnecessary and too burdensome.” The DOE will be involved in the construction of the energy infrastructure necessary to support all the new planned AI data centers, including nuclear microreactors and other nuclear energy projects. Lack of accessibility at these upcoming projects will impact employees, customers, and visitors who have various disabilities.

Although including accessibility features in the design and construction of new facilities does add (minimally) to the cost, ignoring the need for such features incurs many hidden costs. There may be legal and compliance risks involved and missed revenue opportunities. Potential users can become frustrated and alienated, and place additional demands on customer support.

Universal design for accessibility helps everyone, not just those with disabilities. Perhaps the Department of Energy will rethink its decision to rescind accessibility standards for its planned new construction projects.