U.S. Senator John Barrasso has called for a comprehensive investigation into the Loan Programs Office (LPO) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) due to concerns about favoritism and inappropriate outside influence. In a letter to the Inspector General of the DOE, Barrasso highlights questions about the impartiality of the LPO's operations and its Director, Jigar Shah.

Barrasso specifically urges the Inspector General to investigate the relationships and interactions between Director Shah and the Cleantech Leaders Roundtable (CTLR), an organization he founded. Barrasso raises concerns that Shah's position as LPO Director has become a profit center for CTLR and that CTLR members are receiving special treatment from the LPO.

The letter cites evidence that contradicts Director Shah's claims of disassociation from CTLR. Archives of CTLR's official website show that Shah's close affiliation with the organization and his official government title were still being promoted as recently as March 2023, two years after he officially left CTLR. This raises questions about the transparency of decision-making within the LPO.

Barrasso also highlights the $3 billion partial loan guarantee awarded to Sunnova under Director Shah's leadership. Anne Slaughter Andrew, a board member of Sunnova, also served on the CTLR board. Her subsequent departure from CTLR, following inquiries from legislative bodies, underscores the need for thorough scrutiny.

The investigation proposed by Barrasso should focus on evaluating the discrepancies in Director Shah's disassociation claims with CTLR, reviewing LPO processes and procedures related to the awarding of loans and loan guarantees, examining conflict of interest and impartiality protocols, investigating influence dynamics within the LPO, analyzing the systemic influence and association within the LPO, and conducting an inquiry into the Sunnova loan guarantee and Anne Slaughter Andrew's role.

Barrasso emphasizes the importance of maintaining the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and transparency in the LPO's operations. The investigation is seen as critical to ensuring fairness in the grant process and rebuilding trust in the office.

The Inspector General of the DOE has been urged to give prompt attention to this matter to address the concerns raised by Senator Barrasso.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.energy.senate.gov/2023/12/barrasso-calls-on-doe-inspector-general-to-investigate-favoritism-in-loan-programs-office-grant-process