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AMES — Amid federal budget cuts, the U.S. Energy Secretary on Thursday in Iowa provided assurances that the Ames National Laboratory that he was touring will continue to receive financial support but said wind energy production will need to start standing on its own.

U.S. Department of Energy Sec. Chris Wright on Thursday toured the Ames National Laboratory, which is owned by the government and operated by contracted employees under the federal energy department. The lab, which is housed on the Iowa State University campus, conducts research and develops materials to boost the nation’s energy security.

The energy department’s proposed budget for the 2026 federal budget year includes a 26 perc

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