Not to defend Solyndra, but practically the entire history of the DOE has been to fund dubious projects. Where was the business plan for Tokamak reactors? Or Breeder reactors, shale oil, or hydrogen highways, or biofuels?
And let’s not even start on ethanol.
So perhaps the Solyndra controversy will eliminate politics from the DOE grant process. Or not.
It’s in the same place as the business plan for turning SR 99 into an Interstate-grade freeway, the business plan for subsidizing electric car battery manufacturing in DC, and the business plan for widening the 405.
Off-topic, but in this article, California mayos basically admit that they don’t want Brown to shut down the RDAs because they just need the parking. Moneyquote: “So we’re going to build parking structures, and I think that’s the sort of investment you’re making in public projects that benefits your private enterprises.”
http://www.planningreport.com/2011/09/22/wuf-westside-mayors-panel-just-leave-redevelopment-alone