The official in charge of the U.S. Energy Department's loan program that promised a $535 million federal loan to Solyndra, a now-bankrupt solar company, announced he was resigning Thursday. Jonathan Silver, the former head of the Loan Programs Office, will now join the group Third Way, according to Fox News.

"The career change comes in the middle of heavy scrutiny from Congress over the department's handling of the Solyndra agreement. Documents that have emerged over the past month show officials were warned about potential problems with the company as it sought government help."

Silver was sharply criticized during a House subcommittee three weeks ago.

White House e-mails unveiled this week also showed Energy Department officials were concerned about monitoring of the loan program. Energy Secretary Steven Chu accepted responsibility for decisions made about Solyndra.

Officials said Silver has decided to leave his position as head of the Loan programs Office in July. The Energy Secretary also praised Silver’s performance.

“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 in a statement.

Meanwhile Republican lawmakers say they will continue to investigate Solyndra.

“Mr. Silver's resignation does not solve the problem," said Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. "We are in the midst of the Solyndra investigation and just days removed from Mr. Silver's mad rush to finalize the last $4.7 billion in loans before the statutory deadline.”

In 2009 Solyndra promised it would create 4,000 new jobs in return for a $535 million guaranteed federal loan. In early September the energy firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and laid-off its entire workforce.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Obama administration was aware of Solyndra’s financial woes, as the company was selling products at a loss.

 

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