Wax and Wane

Which Republican will replace Henry Waxman (D-California), the outgoing chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who shepherded a cap-and-trade and energy bill through the House of Representatives in 2009?

One contender apparently has God on his side: In 2009, committee member John Shimkus (R-Illinois) read from Scripture to highlight his belief that God made a post-Flood promise to Noah that the world would face no more climate catastrophes. "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though all inclinations of his heart are evil from childhood and never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done," Shimkus quoted Genesis, adding "I believe that's the infallible word of God, and that's the way it's going to be for his creation."

If Shimkus' approach to energy policy gives you the vapors, the other three GOP contenders for Waxman's gavel won't have you singing hallelujahs: All but one -- Fred Upton (R-Michigan) -- explicitly question the science of manmade global warming, and Upton is opposed to any policy action. For a rundown on the full complement of dinosaurs vying to lead the House of Representatives on energy issues, go here.

The Noah's ark imagery is useful for all opinions in the climate debate: In 2007, Greenpeace activists built a replica of the iconic vessel on Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey as a warning to mankind to act quickly to prevent global warming. 

--Reed McManus