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Energy Secretary Chu: Under the Bus
Energy Department officials were warned that their plan to help a failing solar company by restructuring its $535 million federal loan could violate the law and should be cleared with the Justice Department, according to newly obtained e-mails from within the Obama administration.The records provided Friday by a government source also show that an Energy Department stimulus adviser, Steve Spinner, pushed for Solyndras loan despite having recused himself because his wifes law firm did work for the company. Spinner, who left the agency in September 2010, did not respond to requests for comment Friday. Maybe he was out of town? Give the guy a week, anyway! President Obama defended the Energy Department in a news conference Thursday, saying its decisions were made by career professionals. Noah's Ark was designed by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals.  Also Thursday, the head of the embattled loan program announced that he would step down, although Energy Department officials said he was not doing so because of the Solyndra matter.Energy spokesman, Damien LaVera, said agency officials had listened to Treasurys advice to consult the Justice Department on the loan restructuring but felt it was appropriate to move forward. Ultimately, DOEs determination that the restructuring was legal was made by career lawyers in the loan program based on a careful analysis of the statute, he said. In February, the restructuring was approved by Energy Secretary Steven Chu. Posted by: Bobby 2011-10-08 |
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