Attorney General Merrick Garland is under investigation by Congress regarding a possible coverup by the Department of Justice (DOJ) involving the Crescent Dunes solar energy project in Nevada. Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) raised concerns in a letter to Garland about the DOJ's recent motion to dismiss a False Claims Act lawsuit related to the project. This lawsuit, filed by CMB Export, LLC, alleges fraud associated with hundreds of millions in taxpayer money tied to Crescent Dunes.
Gooden's inquiry follows a prior statement from Representative Carol Miller (R-WV), indicating growing congressional interest in this scandal. An investigation by Breitbart News revealed that shortly after President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, the DOJ withdrew support for a lawsuit meant to recover allegedly fraudulently obtained tax dollars related to Crescent Dunes. The motion to withdraw support was noted to have come just a day after the election, raising suspicions about political motivations.
Crescent Dunes, originally started during the Obama administration, utilizes mirrors to concentrate sunlight to heat molten salt, but its operation has faced significant challenges. Issues include bankruptcy, low energy production, environmental concerns, and worker safety incidents. Gooden argues that the allegations extend beyond financial fraud to potentially breach public trust and questions the commitment of the DOJ to protect taxpayer money.
In his letter, Gooden articulated six key questions for Garland regarding the dismissal of the case, including the rationale behind this decision and its timing coinciding with the presidential election. He emphasized the need for transparency, asking for immediate access to all related government documents and urging the preservation of all records pertinent to the Crescent Dunes case to ensure accountability in the investigation. Gooden's request includes all communications, documents, and electronic information related to the case.
The dismissals and the subsequent investigation imply deep concerns about the handling of taxpayer funds and the oversight of green energy initiatives during the transition of power in the federal government. Gooden's efforts reflect a broader attempt by Republican lawmakers to scrutinize spending and management of federal resources, particularly in regard to renewable energy projects like Crescent Dunes.
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