November 20, 2008 Waxman wins Energy and Commerce chair Play video

(NECN) - Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) beat out Representative John Dingell for the chairmanship of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, a group in which Dingell has been the top Democrat for 28 years.

Waxman took the chairmanship with a 137-122 vote in the Democratic Party caucus.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has sweeping jurisdiction over energy, the environment, consumer protection and health care programs like Medicaid.

Dingell has been seen as an important ally of automakers and electric utilities. Dingell's defenders said that he had done nothing to deserve being removed as chair, and that it was change for the sake of change.

"The energy policy is going to be greatly influenced more from the White House now," said Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI) "I think what would have emerged either under Dingell or Waxman would have been quite similar."

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)