Energy policy caught in tussle

By Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
Published: November 6 2008 20:47

The direction of Barack Obama’s energy and environmental policies as president was caught up on Thursday in a congressional power grab that could have a profound impact on the struggling US car industry.
Henry Waxman, a liberal Democratic congressman from California who strongly advocates action on climate change, is challenging John Dingell of Michigan, the dean of the House, in his role as chairman of its energy and commerce committee.

Mr Dingell’s office said it was ready for the fight, having locked up a “substantial number” of commitments across the Democratic caucus, including members from California.
“We are getting tremendous support,” his spokeswoman said.
“Members understand we need a strong, effective legislator who has the proven ability to address the complex issues facing our nation.”
The 82-year-old congressman, who recently had knee-replacement surgery, has long been the car industry’s most crucial ally on Capitol Hill, leading opposition to higher fuel-economy standards and resisting limits on carbon emissions.
Mr Dingell released a draft plan in October that he said would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent. Mr Waxman has a reputation for taking on chief executives and other corporate officials as chairman of the chief House oversight committee and is seen as an important ally of environmentalists.
Democrats traditionally respect the party’s hierarchy and Mr Waxman faces an uphill battle to unseat Mr Dingell, who has a close relationship with Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader, and key members of the Black Caucus.
Mr Dingell’s relationship with Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker, was strained last year because of her support of the creation of a global warming subcommittee that challenged his jurisdiction.
But some Washington insiders said Ms Pelosi would not have welcomed Mr Waxman’s move.
The Speaker has sought to project an image of a unified Congress fit to tackle national problems.
Mr Waxman’s challenge tells a different story: one of a liberal congressman seeking to usurp power from a moderate Democrat.
The Detroit Free Press, Mr Dingell’s hometown paper, pointed out that it had taken Democrats “less than 12 hours after a sweeping victory on election night to start fighting among themselves for power”.
In a letter to Democrats on Thursday in which he announced he was seeking another term as chairman, Mr Dingell put forward three priorities: healthcare, action on climate change, and food and drug safety.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008