The Winner Is ….. Waxman

Just a quick follow-up to yesterday’s blog about the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the 111th Congress (see: “Dingell/Waxman Battle and Chemical Security”). Both the Automotive News and Politico.com are reporting that Waxman (D, Cal) is the winner in a 137-122 vote in the caucus meeting today. Again, it is way too early to tell what this means for chemical security legislation. Generally speaking Mr. Waxman is more liberal than Mr. Dingell and much more interested in environmental issues. I expect that this will translate into more interest in IST, worker involvement, whistleblower protection, all things that were integral parts of the HR 5577 legislation that stalled in the Dingell led committee.