Energy official resigns in wake of Solyndra loan controversy

Jonathan Silver, the head of the Energy Department’s loan guarantee program, is resigning in the wake of the controversy surrounding a $535 million loan guarantee to a failed California-based solar company.

Silver has come under fire in recent weeks from House Republicans, who have raised questions about the department’s loan program in light of the recent bankruptcy of Solyndra, the solar panel manufacturer that received the loan guarantee in 2009.

The Energy Department said Silver informed Energy Secretary Chu in July that he planned to resign shortly after the loan guarantee program for renewable energy projects ended. The renewable energy loan guarantee program expired Sept. 30.

{mosads}Energy Secretary Steven Chu, in a statement, said he did not ask Silver to step down.

“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,” Chu said.

Chu praised Silver’s work at the department. During his tenure, the loan guarantee program helped finance 38 projects that the Energy Department says will save or create 60,000 jobs.

“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,” Chu said.

Silver is leaving the Energy Department to become a visiting fellow at Third Way, a Washington think tank. His last day is Friday.

Silver joined the Energy Department in November of 2009, two month after the Energy Department approved the Solyndra loan guarantee.

But Republicans have nonetheless criticized Silver.

Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), the lawmaker that is heading up the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Solyndra investigation, called on Silver to resign last month.

This story was updated at 4:58 p.m.