Yesterday (2/9), Chairmen of the Energy and Commence Committee John Dingell (D-MI), and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Henry Waxman (D-CA) settled a three-week-long dispute with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) over the creation of a new Select Committee on Global Warming and Energy Independence. Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) has been tapped to head the new Select Committee.
Chairmen Dingell and Waxman, said they "now approve of the Select Committee," after receiving assurance from Speaker Pelosi that the new panel would not steal legislative authority and will expire on Oct. 30, 2008. "We are pleased that we have been able to successfully resolve questions concerning the authorities and responsibilities of the proposed select committee on climate change and energy and can now proceed to write legislation to address the causes and effects of climate change," the congressmen wrote.
As Chairman of the Select Committee, Markey will have a "bully-pulpit" form which he can make recommendations on legislation. However, he will not be able to legislate directly.
Dingell and Waxman will also receive "first crack" at any witnesses and must be consulted before the Select committee issues subpoenas.
Amid the dispute, Dingell announced plans to hold a series of global warming hearings, including a March 21 session with former Vice President Al Gore. Speaker Pelosi, on the other hand, has vowed to move global warming and energy legislation to the House floor by July 4.