Energy Secy Chu Uses Solyndra for Crowd Control

Energy Secretary Steven Chu has found that being enmeshed in the Solyndra scandal can have its uses. Chu used the scandal to bring order to a crowd milling around before he gave a speech, The Washington Post reported.

Chu was preparing to speak at a black-tie event this month when he realized he did not have the attention of the crowd, who were milling about and talking.

So he called out, “Solyndra, Solyndra, Solyndra.”

The move worked, and Chu delivered his speech, which did not mention the failed solar panel company, the Post reported.

The company declared bankruptcy in September after having secured more than $500 million in federal loan guarantees, and the administration has been accused of cronyism for pressing the loans.

Chu is set to testify on the matter before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in November, the Post reported.