UPDATE 3-Waxman win elevates energy, climate change issues

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By Thomas Ferraro and Tom Doggett

WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (Reuters) - U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, a California liberal, won the chairmanship of a key congressional energy committee on Thursday and promised to work closely with President-elect Barack Obama to promote alternative energy, ease global warming and expand healthcare.

Waxman wrested control of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee from Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, a longtime friend of the now-ailing U.S. auto industry.

The action was taken on a vote of 137-122 at a closed-door meeting of House Democrats. Waxman will take the gavel when the 111th Congress convenes on Jan. 6, two weeks before Obama is sworn in as the 44th president.

"American people are hurting all around this country," a victorious Waxman told reporters on Capitol Hill. "They are demanding action. And we must live up to their expectations."

Waxman, known as a skilled legislator, said the new committee leadership would help "to get important issues passed in healthcare, environmental protection, in energy policy."

Many of Obama's plans will be funneled through the Energy and Commerce Committee, whose vast jurisdiction includes consumer protection, regulation of energy resources, global warming, conservation, health and auto emissions.

Waxman favors stronger fuel economy standards for U.S. cars and trucks. But with the three major U.S.-based automakers facing severe financial problems, it may be difficult to boost gasoline mileage requirements that federal law says must climb by 40 percent to 35 miles per gallon (6.7 liters/100 km) by 2020. That is still lower than what is required for vehicles in Europe and Asia.

Environmental groups welcomed Waxman as the new chairman of the powerful committee

"Waxman will help Obama move forward with his agenda," said Frank O'Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Waxman's immediate priorities will likely be passing legislation to promote alternative energy that would help create the millions of "green" jobs that Obama has called for.

He is also expected to seek to clear a bill that would cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and prepare America to be part of an international agreement to fight global warming.

"Waxman undoubtedly would press more aggressively for effective legislation to limit greenhouse gas emissions," said O'Donnell. "Dingell is the favorite of the K Street lobbyists because they realize he will move more slowly, and not require their companies to do as much on global warming."

Fossil-fueled vehicles, like those made in Dingell's district, which includes Detroit, are key sources of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming.