CQ Politics | Waxman Topples Dingell, Claims Gavel at House Energy and Commerce

House Democrats on Thursday handed Henry A. Waxman of California the gavel of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, toppling veteran Chairman John D. Dingell of Michigan.

The 137-122 Democratic Caucus vote was viewed as a referendum on the party’s future approach to energy and climate policy, as well as a test of the seniority system the party has long used to select committee chairmen and ranking members.
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...Waxman, who leans to the left of his party, is an advocate of strong clean air protections and stringent fuel-efficiency and energy conservation measures.

Dingell has been a fierce protector of the auto industry, which is crucial to the economy of his home state of Michigan.

Waxman’s victory gives him control of one of the most powerful committees in Congress, with jurisdiction that touches almost every corner of domestic policy, from energy to health care to telecommunications.

But it appeared the heart of Waxman’s takeover bid was a desire to steer legislation to address global warming, a priority of President-elect Barack Obama . Waxman is expected to move more boldly and quickly on a climate change bill than Dingell, and would likely press legislation with tougher emissions caps.