Changing of the guard at key energy panel

House Democrats voted today to put Henry Waxman at the helm of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, replacing longtime chairman John Dingell.

One consequence of the shift could be a boost for President-elect Barack Obama's sweeping proposals on global warming and cleaner energy.

Waxman, who represents a California district, had highlighted his record on the environment and argued he was better positioned to push for lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Dingell, the longest-serving Democrat in the House, represents Michigan, has been one of the auto industry’s staunchest allies, and has looked askance at environmental proposals.

Obama is pledging to make America more energy independent and reduce carbon emissions by moving away from fossil fuels to alternative sources such as solar and wind. He is proposing $15 billion a year to help create "green-collar" jobs. He pledged his cooperation with worldwide efforts on climate change in a video message to a major conference in California earlier this week.