The DoE’s reason for being created was to help the US become more energy independent. What has been the trend since its creation?
Actually, the DoE was created for National Security with respect to nuclear weapons and nuclear power.
The Department has four overriding National Security priorities: insuring the integrity and safety of the country’s nuclear weapons; promoting international nuclear safety; advancing nuclear non-proliferation; and, continuing to provide safe, efficient, and effective nuclear power plants for the United States Navy.
They don’t want energy independence,
they want energy control,
so they can prohibit the masses from using it,
and thus controlling every aspect of their lives.