Environment

Energy Department Official in Charge of Solyndra Loan to Step Down

Energy Department Official in Charge of Solyndra Loan to Step Down

Jonathan Silver, head of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office and man in charge of giving now-bankrupt solar panel firm Solyndra a $535 million loan, is reportedly stepping down.

According to Fox News, DOE confirmed the decision on Thursday. Silver now plans to join the organization Third Way as a “distinguished visiting fellow.”

The report adds:

The career change comes in the middle of heavy scrutiny from Congress over the department’s of the Solyndra agreement. Documents that have emerged over the past month show officials were warned about potential problems with the company as it sought government help.

But the president on Thursday defended the Energy Department’s vetting. And Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement that Silver’s departure was expected.

Chu alleges that Silver informed him in July of his planned return to the private sector. Chu stated:

“Since he joined the Department in November 2009, Jonathan assembled and managed a truly outstanding team that has transformed the program into the world leader in financing innovative clean energy projects. Under his leadership, the loan program has demonstrated considerable success, with a broad portfolio of investments that will help American companies compete in the global clean energy market.”

“Because of my absolute confidence in Jonathan and the outstanding work he has done, I would welcome his continued service at the Department, but I completely understand the decision he has made,” he added.

Solyndra, the firm touted by President Obama as a model for success, declared bankruptcy, laying off its 1,100 employees. The FBI and the GOP-led House Energy and Commerce Committee have since launched investigations into the company.

Despite the firm’s failure, however, Obama asserts the loan guarantee program has created jobs.

Comments (90)

  • motonutt
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:34pm

    This just struck me…..we all saw obummer with Georgy last week, and the lier and chump in his typical arrogant self laughed off the Solydra scandle and said there was “no wrong doing”…really
    Why did the FBI show up and clean out everything they could get their hands on? When something outrageous happens and you get caught, just make up and equaly outrageous lie and move on .org

    Report Post » motonutt  
    • SFALLC
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:50pm

      How the EPA see things:

      “In March 2011, EPA issued the Second Prospective Report which looked at the results of the Clean Air Act from 1990 to 2020. According to this study, the direct benefits from the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments are estimated to reach almost $2 trillion for the year 2020, a figure that dwarfs the direct costs of implementation ($65 billion). The report was updated in April 2011.” http://www.epa.gov/air/sect812/prospective2.html
      The reality:

      Thousands are losing their jobs over the actions of the EPA. Instead of working with companies the EPA is either shutting them down or imposing stiff fines and expecting the companies to install expensive equipment. The indirect cost is raising the cost of doing business.

      Look at the 12000 jobs lost due to the refinery closures in PA and NJ. Indirect cost of lost wages is $12,000,000,000 in the next ten years. Add to this the coal power plants closing, the factories that moved to China because they could not compete due to the regulations in the United States and we are seeing indirect costs at more then $10 trillion over a ten year period not the $65 Billion as suggested.

      We can expect a sharp rise in the cost to live, and who is to blame our government and current administration that did nothing to correct this and implimented even more regulation.

      The Government is shutting down current viable energy production and betting with technology that was proven to have no ROI. http://flagrantquoque.

      Report Post »  
    • Edct
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 9:44pm

      Gee, one less lying crook whore in Washington, now if we can get rid of the lying pos Holder in the AG position, the illegal imposter muslim terrorist marxist dictator in the White House and his “entitled” black wife who has 25 personal assistants and just took her black relatives to Africa which cost us half a million dollars, just one of her many “I’m entitled so I can do it” trips. Oh hell, while we are at it get rid of the rest of the political pimps in the congress who treat us like their street walking whores and start over maybe we can save our country.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:35pm

      Why should stepping down stop the legal process from putting this guy in prison? I see this all the time. Holder will step down for Fast and Furious right before a Federal indictment and it will just stop there.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:41pm

      @SFALLC
      Great post. Thanks.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • revel222
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:11am

      Step down???????????I thought they went bankrupt and shut down? It is just for show…

      Report Post »  
  • gmoneytx
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:29pm

    didn’t see that coming?!?

    Report Post » gmoneytx  
  • Cat
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:28pm

    Love these old songs … Don’t chyall?

    “Ain’t nothing like stickin it to da man”
    “Comeback money, come back”
    “Mo money, mo money, mo yo money”
    “Now da gata dun ate pa”

    And that goldie …
    “Been riden easy fo so long, gots to wee on a friend”

    Report Post » Cat  
  • texasfarmer
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:22pm

    Wait and see where he ends up in a few months.
    He’ll have a new job.

    Report Post » texasfarmer  
    • db321
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:48pm

      I want know about the $500+Million – who’s going to pay that back – these people just cant walk out with a smile.

      Report Post » db321  
    • dnewton
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:16am

      This guy might be the next solar cell czar.

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 10:55am

      He already has a new job – he is a distinguished visiting fellow at Third Way (?) – Chu and Obumbler will take care of him for taking the heat and drawinf attention away from them. Wonder how much it pays?

      OMG – Psalm 109:8

      Report Post »  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:20pm

    It is just like “Fast & Furious”. He is a fall guy. We canned someone, so let us move on. He didn’t make the decision. If he hadn’t played along they would have fired him & he would be looking for a job. They gave him a sinecure to shut him up.

    Report Post »  
  • REDKRAKA
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:11pm

    “don’t taze me bro”……Obama and holders new signature……..

    Report Post »  
  • arvadadan
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:09pm

    DOE confirmed the decision on Thursday. Silver now plans to join the organization Third Way as a “distinguished visiting fellow.”

    The Third Way refers to various political positions which try to reconcile right-wing and left-wing politics by advocating a varying synthesis of right-wing economic

    What a load of BS

    Report Post » arvadadan  
    • CyberJocky
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:16pm

      Can you say Scape Goat, boys and girls?

      Report Post » CyberJocky  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:18pm

      Indeed, in simple and clear terms the “Third way of politics is telling the Rigth to: bend over and call me master, for I am God…so say the self-annointed one.”

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • nocalifornia
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:07pm

    This guy is a democratic money man, if he is going back to the private sector it is only to bundle more cash for the 2012 election cycle. I wonder how much payola he managed to squirrel away for the Obumer since 2009?

    Report Post » nocalifornia  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:38pm

      He joined the Dept of Energy in 2009. I always distrust upper management that is at a job less than 3 years? How can you tell if what they did was effective or they are leaving before the results come in?

      I also dislike how instead of promoting from within at the Energy Department, they took someone with no visible job experience except that he is a Democrat party hack (campaign contribution bundler it appears).

      Report Post »  
  • schroeder123
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:06pm

    I never told my Commander and chef to in vest my money in this company !

    What the hell is he doing !!!!

    Report Post » schroeder123  
  • randy
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:04pm

    When will people wake up that all these dollars spent by this crooked administration is going right back into Obamas re-election campaign. OBAMA and his commie adminstration needs to do some serious JAIL TIME!

    Report Post » randy  
    • Banter
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:12pm

      Been saying it for a long time. The so-called “jobs bill” is a similar animal in that it will fill up union coffers, which eventually make it back to obama’s campaign (with a bit skimmed off the top of course). Why do you think trumpka is out really pushing to get it passed. Lots of pressure from the outstretched hands waiting to be paid.

      Corrupt is not even close to being strong enough to describe this administration.

      Report Post » Banter  
  • arvadadan
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:03pm

    Another one under the bus, must be crowded under there by now…

    Report Post » arvadadan  
    • db321
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:51pm

      I wouldn’t know – we don‘t have one Republican candidate running against Obama that even knows what’s going on with this administration – and please don’t reply back that Ron Paul does. He would do anything about it anyway.

      Report Post » db321  
    • darkrage000
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 8:51pm

      What, you didnt hear? Obama bought two new megabuses from Canada… plenty of room now!

      Report Post »  
  • cknapp
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:53pm

    Loose a half Billion dollars of taxpayer money and simply “walk away”….sounds fair to me?….wtf?

    Craig Knapp
    Age 50

    Report Post »  
    • motonutt
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:57pm

      Oh I thought the commander and chump just said that there was no wrong doing?

      Report Post » motonutt  
  • Banter
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:46pm

    I guess it is better to step down and not have to take your lumps like a man. Hope he can look his family in the eye tonight.

    Report Post » Banter  
    • Fly Old Glory 24/7 365
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:54pm

      Stepping down does not clear his involvement. He can run, but he cannot hide…

      Report Post »  
    • Banter
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:05pm

      The way it should be, but with holder I have my doubts he will have to look over his shoulder too much. All that being said, my point was this guy is a coward.

      Report Post » Banter  
  • constitutionaldirective
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:46pm

    OF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!

    …..Sorry channeling Rosanne.. ;)

    Report Post » constitutionaldirective  
  • randy
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:46pm

    This guy is no fall guy until his A$$ is thrown in jail buy Holder before Holders a$$ is tossed in jail right after Holder tosses Obamas A$$ in jail.

    Report Post » randy  
  • Warphead
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:44pm

    Oh wouldn’t it be wonderful to see Obama and his crooked staff give their consiliatory address to the newly elected Conservative President in 2012 while wearing handcuffs. Not likely I know but oh so just.

    Report Post » Warphead  
  • inexiletill2012
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:30pm

    I want my countrys $528 million BACK from those S.O.B’s

    Report Post » inexiletill2012  
    • purplehippo
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:42pm

      It‘s already gone to Obama’s reelction campaign. Sorry :(

      Report Post » purplehippo  
  • majorsco
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:30pm

    This is Obama’s next chief of staff!!!! Or maybe he’ll replace Biden???? This is the type of guy that gets close to Obama, someone not to smart and has no scruples or morals.

    Report Post »  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:29pm

    Designated fall guy. Means nothing.

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:51pm

      It not only means nothing, but it adds insult to injury. Obama defends Energy Secretary Chu’s vetting of Solyndra, and Chu, in turn, calls Silver’s work “outstanding.” Just the usual back-patting from the commie thieves in the WH.

      Report Post »  
    • motonutt
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 6:10pm

      @DISMAYED VET….Exactly right. Now he’ll get a job as a lobiest so he can really screw us over like the Mao loving witch did when she got canned.

      Report Post » motonutt  
  • Interestedparty
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:27pm

    Another fall guy for Mr. O, I am sure there will be a lot more to come.

    Report Post »  
  • normbal
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:22pm

    He can ad to his resume, “unindicated coconspirator.”

    I‘m sure he’ll find a job as a lobbyist for some watermelon (green on the outside, red on the inside) company real fast.

    Report Post » normbal  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 7:56pm

      This is the usual pattern. A subordinate to a department head takes the fall in the hope that it will appease the accusers. Not this time…Stephen Chu’s days are numbered and it will hurt Obama. No one’s forgotten Lightsquared either. Then there’s that little “gun walker” thing with Eric Holder. No one is listening to Obama, he’s on the cusp of irrelevance.

      Report Post »  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:19pm

    Need to take his government credit card away too……..

    Report Post »  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:32pm

      I bet he is getting one hell of a kick back from $535 million

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
  • west1890
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:19pm

    And so it begins…. underlings thrown under the bus to protect Obama. I have a feeling it’s gonna get pretty crowded under there.

    Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:19pm

    Uh uh; run rat, run. The lights are on.

    Report Post »  
    • Warphead
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:30pm

      That would be a cochroach that is usually associated with running off when the lights come on. But hey, in this case, same difference. Roach or Rat just a matter of how the DNA is strung out is all.

      Report Post » Warphead  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:18pm

    Well, that’s not good enough… I want them ALL to step down.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:20pm

      I agree ..follow this all the way UP! Obama was pushing Solyndra right before it went down .. but right before it was going to try to go public .. which ultimately it was so bad it could not do. Take this all the way!

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • Warphead
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 5:30pm

      NO. I want them all to go to prison.

      Report Post » Warphead  

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