Business

Report: Engineering Firm ‘CH2M HILL’ Cut Thousands of Jobs After Receiving $2 Billion in Stimulus

CH2M HILL Cut Jobs After Receiving $2 Billion in Stimulus

For all those who said that the Solyndra revelation would just be the first of many, pat yourself on the back.

A new investigative report released by Accuracy in Media Wednesday, reveals that CH2M HILL, a Colorado-based consulting, engineering and construction firm, received nearly $2 Billion in stimulus funding despite a history of kickbacks, poor conduct and contaminating their own workers. While they are not in danger of suffering the same bankruptcy plight as Solyndra, CH2M has laid-off thousands of workers since receiving taxpayer stimulus. And like Solyndra, CH2M has donated thousands in campaigns finances to Democrats.

The report’s author, Rusty Weiss, notes that CH2M has received $1.961 billion in contracts from the Recovery Act despite a history of violations and fraud, to name a few:

  • In 2004, the Energy Department withheld $300,000 from the firm for poor conduct.
  • Between 2005 and 2006, the company was fined nearly $400,000 total for the radiological contamination of workers.
  • A “major spill” occurred in 2007 that resulted in over $683,000 in both fines and settlements to local agencies.
  • Timecard fraud at the CH2M HILL Hanford Group  between January of 2002 and October of 2008, that was “widespread” and “routine.”
  • False claims and paid kickbacks at the Hanford nuclear site between 2003 and 2005 led to a recent settlement in which CH2M HILL agreed to pay the federal government $1.5 million

How did a company with a track record like that become the recipient of billions of dollars from the federal government? Giving over $380,000 to Democrats during the 2009-2010 cycle and over $512,000 during 2007-2008, including $45, 337 to Barack Obama, may have had something to do with it. In addition to political contributions to individual politicians, the AIM study cites the Center for Responsive Politics that reports that CH2M was lobbying their special interests via $455,000 worth of itemized expenditures in 2010.

As stimulus funding has begun to dry up, CH2M is proving that the “green” jobs funded by the taxpayer are in fact unsustainable. AIM reports:

“Reports of staff reductions at CH2M began in January when KEPR-TV announced that 1,350 layoffs were coming in September due to the end of stimulus funding. The company had to organize a job fair for those affected by these layoffs, as well as an additional 1,000 laid off men and women at the contractor’s Hanford site. Hanford started the year with 12,000 workers but lost 2,000 positions nine months later.”

Aside from raising similar questions about the way the DOE is delving out taxpayer dollars, CH2M was directly involved in the plundering of a $535 million loan to Solyndra. $9.6 million of that loan given to CH2M HILL to design Solyndra’s solar manufacturing plant in Fremont, California. Weiss writes;

“With millions of dollars having been secured, CH2M clearly outdid themselves on the Solyndra project, building a facility the likes that had never been seen before in the heart of Silicon Valley.  The facility covers 300,000 square feet, ran a price tag of $733 million, and was equated by some to the Taj Mahal.”

CH2M HILL Cut Jobs After Receiving $2 Billion in Stimulus

To boot, CH2M reportedly has ties with “Green Energy Czar” Van Jones, who sat on the Apollo Alliance board that helped write the stimulus. This is the same Apollo Alliance that Glenn Beck said “aspires to destroy the U.S. economy by having the federal government fund green jobs scams.”

Jones has received recognition at the Aspen Institute award ceremony which is co-sponsored by CH2M, been a keynote speaker at events co-sponsored by CH2M, and served on the San Francisco Clean Tech Advisory Council with Jill Sideman of CH2M.

See the Accuracy in Media full report for the breakdown of CH2M Hill’s history of problems, ties to Democrats and lobbying, as well as other investigative reports.

Comments (168)

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  • ddg7
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:21pm

    Fbho!

    Report Post »  
    • kentuckypatriot
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:55pm

      @ Gloria:
      If you don’t have something to share in the discussion except whatever crap you are trying to sell, we don’t want you.

      Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • rs9
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 8:01pm

      It is amazing how little (a few hundred thousand) that one has to give to democrats to get billoins in return from the party. this whole bunch needs to be imprisoned

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 8:20pm

      Sometimes… Glenn and his message, “Malice toward None”… are beyond me!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Unix
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 8:31pm

      What, more fraud and abuse, you mean you didn‘t know our nation’s capital was not full of cronies? Puleeze…cry me a rivah!

      Report Post » Unix  
    • charleyrocks
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:27pm

      Holy Crap!!

      Report Post » charleyrocks  
    • tentam
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:58am

      You folks realize that CH2M is the former Veco don’t you? They changed their name after the corruption scandal that Allen was busted for as well as others.
      Bottom line, any of you folks who support socialism over capitalism, you folks should put your money where your mouth is.
      If you are so thrilled about demanding sharing the wealth, then why don’t you start paying the unemployed bills and mortgages, and why don’t you buy food for the homeless or pay hotel bills for them? Or better yet, why don’t you folks just go to work and support everyone who is on welfare, unemployment, or living in shelters.
      No one in this nation owes anybody anything. If I grow a garden, do the work, the food belongs to me. Not the community. If I work for my wages and earn them, the money belongs to me, not the community.
      Entitlements are designed to weaken a nation.
      Jobs are what we need. If businesses hadn‘t went overseas we’d have plenty of jobs in this nation like we used to back in the 60′s, 70‘s and 80’s.
      Most people want to work and earn their wages.
      Our gov’t is corrupt from the top to the bottom. This nation needs a purge and a return to the constitution.
      We need to stop being a nation of groups, races, ethnics and political parties.
      Our needs to become the UNITED STATES once again!

       
    • Delta_River_Folk
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:00am

      Here is real fraud:

      Each year, Washington D.C. takes money from every state then divides it up among the states, and hands it back out. Some states end up with a net loss (pay in more than they receive back) while others have net gain (get more back than they pay in). Using public references (if you trust them) one can calculate winners and losers. All values listed are in the BILLIONS.

      In 2005, the top five losers: New York $54, New Jersey $43, Illinois $38, Minnesota $36 and California $23

      In 2005, the top five winners: Virginia $41, Alabama $22, Maryland $20, District of Columbia (DOC) $20 and Florida $19

      In 2007, the top five losers: New York $87, New Jersey $58, Texas $54, California $54 and Illinois $47

      In 2007, the top five winners: Virginia $48, Alabama $24, DOC $23, Mississippi $20 and Maryland $17

      In 2008, the top five losers: New York $56, New Jersey $50, Minnesota $43, Illinois $34 and Texas $26

      In 2008, the top five winners: Virginia $52, DOC $28, Kentucky $27, Maryland $24 and Alabama $23

      Year 2009 not many losers

      In 2009, the top five winners: Virginia $97, California $81, Florida $66, Maryland $48 and Michigan $36

      Why are Virginia, District of Columbia (DOC), and Maryland always winners? Who spends >80% their time in these 3 areas? On your own, take a look at which counties in Virginia and Maryland received the most federal dollars. You probably won’t be surprised.

      OUR CURRENT SYSTEM IS BROKE. Repel 16th and 17th Amendment

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:15am

      Where have you people been? Friends of presidents always walk away with millions, Obama has changed the rules – his friends walk away with billions. I would love to see the amount in his hidden offshore account. It would be neat to know what % he is getting.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:41pm

      This why we need more accountability in our Government. No one which half a brain would invest their own money in this company but these ideologs in the Obama adminstration have no problem investing tax payers dollars in this wreck business. I guess this is the true income redistribution Obama and liberals are talking about shifting our tax dollars into their supports coffers.

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:45pm

      Somebody give Darrell Issa a case of Mountain Dew…he’s going to be staying up at night from all the Obama Admin corruption he has to sift through. Enough already……FIRE STEVEN CHU NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 5:52pm

      tentam: Excellent post and very much on point!

      Report Post »  
  • gvblaze
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:20pm

    Get a clue people. Its called a corporatocracy (a type of Kleptocracy) and it won’t stop until it is completely broken. The sooner it collapses, the sooner we can take it apart, piece by piece and then put it back together so it won’t bilk use out of trillions ever again. The first step and the first piece to come off should be the liar/thief/cheat/swindle arm known as the Federal Reserve. While its not a part of the government, it *IS* a part of the problem. Abolish it. Start issuing sound money based on silver or gold (or backed by it) and many of the problems we have with debt and corruption will vanish nearly overnight.

    First, we have to elect an honest president that will stand up with constitutional principles. There is only one, at the moment, who even knows what those principals are and, therefore, by process of elimination, will follow them: Ron Paul.

    Elect anyone else to the top position of the United States of America Corporation (What you call “the federal government” or the “US Government”) and nothing will change for the better. They’ll keep wrecking it. Ron Paul will, if they don’t assassinate him, can get us out of this. There is a contingent in congress and the senate that would work with him to restore the uSA to it prosperous roots. Vote Ron Paul if you love America.

    Report Post » gvblaze  
    • oneopinion
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:49pm

      You need to get a clue about Rep. Paul. He is as much a hack as the next one. Yes, he has fancy answers/solutions but he is in on the deal like the rest. Here is how he does it, he puts an earmark into a bill that he knows is going to pass without his vote. He then votes against it. The bill passes, he gets the pork for his district, and he can then say that he doesn’t vote for pork. Check out his record and see what earmarks he has put into bills. Secondly, you need to review history from the turn of the 20th century. We went the way of isolationism and Wilson embroiled us in WWI which directly led to WWII. We need smart foreign policy not one were we closed the doors and windows and peek out every now and then to see who might be coming for us. Read up on the Islamists: “Looming Tower”, “Militant Islam Comes to America”; “They Must Be Stopped”. If you think we can just go home and all will be OK, then you also believe the Islamic nuts will kill you last.

      Report Post »  
    • OneCitizenOfTheRepublic
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:42am

      The most conservative candidate who has been consistently conservative…is as comfortable in a dress as pants. Whereas we are all willing to reject racism, we seem to be having trouble with sexism.

      With the stakes so high, with the risk so great…we continue to face the same delima that we faced in 2008. Our society is a junkie to sound bites, and hollywood glamor…no longer willing to be satisfied with simple truth, honor, integrity, and love of the constitution and our nation.

      Give the lady a chance and she will restore our nation more likely than any of the others.

      There is an evil tide formenting in this nation…one of discontent, anger, and if not addressed…revolution. Time is running out. If the TEA party is unwilling to stand on our values and select and support the best candidate, then we will have four more years of SOCIALISM. Who thinks we can survive four more years?

      Report Post » OneCitizenOfTheRepublic  
  • Mess23
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:19pm

    We are being robbed. The good people in America need to find a way to bribe our politicians into representing us.

    Report Post »  
    • Twisted Mind
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:46pm

      It’s bad to say, but the good people of America is getting just what they voted for.

      Report Post »  
    • SKI TOO
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:59pm

      Might I suggest Lead as the proper currency for such a transaction .

      Report Post »  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:18pm

    All roads lead to Barry
    This election was just a lotto ticket fix for the DEMOCRAT Party. It is getting to the point where someone is going to lash out at the true 1%ers. This band of thieves must pay the piper, and truly I can give a rats a$$ what happens to them. Rosie may have been right.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:52am

      We need to lash out just as hard at the 47% who take and never give. Remind people that FAIR SHARE means EVERYONE PAYS.

      Report Post »  
  • Blitz
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:17pm

    Im sure this story will be all over the news in just hours or days. Oh thats right most of the press has been bought n paid for by obummer so Im sure it’s just another under reported story.

    Report Post »  
    • SHOWMESTATEGUY
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:28pm

      Can anyone say this is NOT the most corrupt ( and transparently so) administration in the history of this country.

      They are so Chicagoized they don’t even try to hide it.

      Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:45pm

      Accuracy in Media (AIM) — they consistently do excellent work

      Report Post »  
  • Dicker
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:14pm

    Unless someone is deaf, dumb and blind, it is apparent what is standard practice for Obama. First you give Obama a big money donation for his campaign. Then you get a big phony “green job” stimulus, much larger than you contribution. After you take our money, you either go bankrupt, go out of business or let go a large part of your employees. In all cases you now take for yourself the major part of the stimulus money that was supposed to help your business. Result: you and Obama each get a huge chunk of our tax money. This is the way that the Obama administration operates. This is part of the “CHANGE” that Obama promised America.

    Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:29am

      Don’t forget the possibility that Obumbler is getting a kickback into an offshore account. This administration is so involved in Chicago style politics. The kickbacks are a possibility just like they would do at home. When someone appears to be challenging them they dig up dirt and if they can’t
      find any they manufacture it. Look at what is happening to the republic candidates that rise to the top are smeared with rumors and its usually about sex.

      OMG

      Report Post »  
  • essence428
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:11pm

    Enough! I’m totally convinced the Republicans are as “in the know” and “as corrupt” as the Democrats, otherwise this type of corruption would not have happened, or at least would have been made public long before now..the entire system is total corruption and has been for a long while……We just weren’t paying attention before. The only way the people’s voice will be heard is through a tax revolt…and they have us right where they want us there too…afraid of the IRS…its sickening what these politicians are doing to the good American people who work hard everyday, only to have their tax dollars spent in ways like this.

    Report Post »  
    • oregon scott
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:40pm

      I am so tired of hearing how bad both parties are. The house and senate were both controlled by the Democrats from 2006 until they got routed in the house in 2010. I still have no idea how Reid and so many other stayed in the senate, in any case. there was nothing the Republicans could do. Should they of stood their ground? Yes! should they kept working until the lights went out? Yes. Remember that? good ol’e Nancy had the staff shut down the lights and close up the house. she was done and that was it. There are many Republicans I would like to see go. and most of the Democrats. I don’t even care about the party. There has to be at least 525 people well 527 President and VP that know what the right thing to do is. The things administrations have gotten away with in the past was bad, but this administration and house and senate have gone so far over the edge, is scares the daylights out of normal every day people that have just had enough.

      Report Post »  
  • Diana M.
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:11pm

    You are all right to say… When will this end. The Middle Class and the Taxpayers are the ones who are suffering. GOD Please Help US!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • KINGRUDDY
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:10pm

    Ok…….where is all the common sense in this country?
    Again, Van Crook is on the front lines…he is the “muscle” for Soros. This is so obvious! How the f do you think he gets all the clothes and bling this Van Crook has, it is amazing how this mfer has Bamboozeled everyone but Glenn.

    Wake Up America, 1 Billion here, 2 Billion there, 4 Billion over there, oooo 2 Trillion everywhere!!!
    Wake Up America….the answer is easy….Term Limits…..end all government deals made by our elected officials…remember the one we just learned that they can legally trade insider information and we cannot, ask Martha Stewart…..all of the bogus deals will become crystal clear once they are not there to cover them up
    WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!

    Report Post » KINGRUDDY  
    • CATPBJ
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:23pm

      Thats right Kingruddy, Van Crook as you put it bamboozled everyone but Glen Beck. Not surprising since your messiah, the Beckster, is the smartest, most honest, trustworthy, generous, and brilliant independent thinker this planet has ever seen! haHAhaHA NOT

      Report Post » CATPBJ  
    • KINGRUDDY
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 8:01pm

      PBJ…
      The truth hurts….
      Wake up….you obviously are one of the useful idiots, you must have lost your tent last nite and have nowhere else to go.
      Wake up America!!!!!

      Report Post » KINGRUDDY  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:08pm

    When does the revolution start? Im about sick and tired of this crap and ready for a good old fight to put these awipes in prison..

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:12pm

      Bad doggy — the revolution for the left has already commensed and is in full swing; the next phase will be for the pushing of political parties by Van Jones in 2012 (his 99%r party with 2000 local and national candidates, backed by Soros and those in his pocket).

      Soon enough the top will come down under Obama and it will be with steel, fire and blood. Barring a intervention by God himself to stop it completely, how much more evil lies in the darkenss to come forth into the light?

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • streetrodder
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:06pm

    And the super committee could not find any place to cut, LOL.

    Report Post »  
  • Wannabfree
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:00pm

    I was looking at applying for a job with this group a couple years ago – they had ads for people everywhere and seemed to be hiring like crazy.. Goggled them and found all kinds of negative feedback from employees and former employees about how they released people for no apparent reason and how they treated their employee -s which was not good.
    I decided I never wanted to work there so I am not surprised about this article – just surprised it took so long to get reported..

    Report Post »  
    • kentuckypatriot
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:51pm

      It’s a good thing you did your research! I also hope you have found a decent job since then.

      Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
  • streetrodder
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:59pm

    Bull Crap!

    Report Post »  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:58pm

    Its totally obvious that taxpayers are getting screwed by this administration!! Why the crap isn’t anyone doing something about it.. I want to see this administration behind bars.. every last one of them.. 2 Billion dollars people.. two billion and thousands of jobs lost.. its so obvious that these people are walking away with our money. And Obama knows exactly whats going on! Enough is enough!! God help us!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:02pm

      I agree ABBYGIRL .. the conservatives in the government need to stand up and say ENOUGH! I don’t care how they try to demonize them .. there is MORE THAN ENOUGH to fight it with garbage like this going on!

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
  • 4-The-Truth
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:58pm

    $2,443.33 a square foot to build Solyndra. Most new construction is about 1/10 of that. That kind of business judgement will only make you bankrupt. No wonder we have a $15 trillion national debt. Every man women child in the US owes approximately $48,000 of that debt and each taxpayer owes approximately $133,000.
    Let’s deport Obama, his cronies and the occupiers to Egypt.
    Our news media only cares about Cain’s sex life, nothing about his ability to manage a business or this country and the media only cares about Tim Tebow’s proclaiming his Christian faith and nothing about his ability to win games. Time for a change and I don‘t mean Obama’s kind of change.

    Report Post » 4-The-Truth  
  • geonj
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:57pm

    a green economt is a dirty economy. well done once again mr obama.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:57pm

    It seems to me they built a financial system based on mind control and production/ population. It’s too bad they can not figure out how to build a financial system based on giving Liberty back.

    Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:00pm

      Just think about all the nice devices people might need to buy to keep people away who are lawless and do not want Liberty? New security positions; new teachers to teach how to think Liberty; new pieces of land to sell on a competitive market, etc.

      Report Post »  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:52pm

    Sounds like they built a nice pad with all that cash. Can you say, Keeping up with the Van Joneses?

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:51pm

    Picture-perfect evil at work. Just amazing and it’s not fiction.

    Report Post »  
  • fatjack
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:50pm

    Redistribution of your back pocket.

    Report Post » fatjack  
  • unsure
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:47pm

    Obama is going to be as rich as George Soros when this is overwith.

    Report Post »  
    • Agnes
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 3:31pm

      He and his croonies will laughing going to the bank in Chicago!

      Report Post »  
  • axel@25
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:46pm

    is there some significance to the stupid company name ?? CH2MHILL??

    Report Post »  
    • bluelock
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:18pm

      It’s from the last names of the founders Holly Cornell, Jim Howland and T. Burke Hayes and Fred Merryfield making the CH2M part. HILL was added when the company merged with Clair A. Hill and Associates.

      Report Post »  
    • Oznogs
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 11:49pm

      Bluelock is correct, I am amazed that the company I work for has been addressed in this manner. I think some of the facts might be a little stretched, I will have to do as Glenn says, do my own research. I know CH2M, as we say, has worked out at Hanford for a while and the stuff out there has it’s ups and downs. The company has worked all over, doing nuke cleanup and remediation all over the country at some of the biggest superfund sites, anyone remember those words “Superfund Site”, Love Canal and other nasty sites besides government nuke sites. I work for an office that mostly works on Oil refineries, engineering solutions for the necessary gov regulations that are imposed on the industry. It is good honest work, that pays a “living wage” as some call it. I think the Solyndra bldg. was probably great work for some people in that office, when it was designed I’m sure no one knew that Solydra would go broke. CH2M Hill has many offices all over the world like many other companies like Jacobs Engineering, Worley Parsons, Haliburton et. al. all of them have been trashed over the years by some story or another. My two cents.

      Report Post » Oznogs  
    • stev1
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:34pm

      Oznogs is totally correct. CH2M Hill is exactly as he described. It employs engineers from every field of engineering worldwide and provides a good living for thousands of hard working Americans. Taking the stimulus money was surely to help keep thousands of engineers employed during hard times.

      Report Post »  
  • ruffnex
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:41pm

    It just makes me SICK. When does it end???? Hopefully SOON

    Report Post »  
  • Sam Brown
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:40pm

    Gomer Pyle said it best, “Suprise, Suprise, Suprise.” What a world we live in.

    Report Post »  
  • majorsco
    Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:40pm

    It’s simple this company “bought” their stimulus contract with their political contributions to Obama and the democrats. There is no other explanation. Now the taxpayers are going to pick up the pieces with unemployment and other entitlements to these laid off workers. Does this enhance the “hope and change” ? These workers have no hope and it’s our change that pays the bill.

    Report Post »  
    • AnAppealToGod
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:05pm

      We should put the debt in their names, ship them off to china and call it good.

      Report Post » AnAppealToGod  
    • TJ347
      Posted on December 5, 2011 at 1:02pm

      haha. Its actually much simpler than that. The company honestly competed for government contracts that were awarded and ultimately funded with stimulus funds. To complete the projects they had to staff up (hire people). When the contracts were successfully completed, the people hired for these jobs were no longer needed. There‘s your big ’conspiracy’.

      Report Post »  
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