Obama wants quick review of green projects

The White House announced it selected energy projects as part of a list of 14 infrastructure projects slated for quick review to boost the U.S. economy. "To maintain our nation's competitive edge, we must ensure that the United States has fast, reliable ways to move people, goods, energy and information," U.S. President Barack Obama said in a memorandum. "In a global economy, where businesses are making investment choices between countries, we will compete for the world's investments based in part on the quality of our infrastructure." Most of the programs are for transportation and environmental restoration. Obama said he wanted an accelerated review of the 52-turbine Cleghorn Ridge Wind project in California and the 15-turbine Deerfield Wind Power project in Vermont. Additionally, the White House ordered a speedy review of oil and natural gas projects, as well as power-line development, in the Dakota Prairie and Little Missouri National Grasslands. The White House is under fire from Republican critics for moving too rashly on green energy programs following the bankruptcy of solar panel company Solyndra. The California company filed for bankruptcy year after receiving a $535 million federal loan.