**GAO-08-750**                      Published: Jul 07, 2008. Publicly Released: Jul 07, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 established DOE's loan guarantee program (LGP) for innovative energy projects that should decrease air pollutants or greenhouse gases and that have a reasonable prospect of repayment. For fiscal years 2008 and 2009, Congress authorized the use of borrower fees to pay the costs of loan guarantees through Title XVII's "borrower pays" option, under which DOE will limit loan guarantees to $38.5 billion. Congress mandated that GAO review DOE's progress in implementing the LGP. GAO assessed DOE's progress in (1) issuing final regulations and (2) taking actions to help ensure that the program is managed effectively and to maintain accountability. GAO also assessed how inherent risks due to the nature of the LGP may affect DOE's ability to achieve intended program outcomes. GAO analyzed DOE's regulations, guidance, and program documents and files; reviewed Title XVII; and interviewed DOE officials.

## Recommendations

## Matter for Congressional Consideration

## Recommendations for Executive Action

See All 6 Recommendations

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## Topics

Energy

AccountabilityAdministrative costsClaims processingCost analysisEligibility criteriaEligibility determinationsEvaluation criteriaFederal regulationsFeesFinancial analysisFinancial managementGovernment guaranteed loansInternal controlsPerformance measuresPolicy evaluationProgram evaluationProgram managementRegulatory agenciesRisk assessmentRisk factorsRisk managementStrategic planningSubsidiesCost estimatesPolicies and proceduresProgram coordinationProgram costsProgram implementation