Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., (bio) appears to be the heir to the House Energy and Commerce Committee chair.

Michigan makes cars. Cars burn fuel.

It’s a safe bet that Detroit lobbyists have been in Dingell’s ear throughout the election. So what’s Dingell — who has been in Congress for 50 of his 80 years — thinking?

According to a story in the Washington Post, Dingell said in a conference call the day after the election that he favors measures to promote new energy technologies, diesel cars and fuels, electric vehicles and conservation in buildings.

He says that before Congress raises auto fuel efficiency — the United Auto Workers opposes mandated increases to efficieny standards — it best be sure that the industry can absorb the economic impact of such changes. The Post says Dingell’s opposition to higher fuel efficiency could make it a contentious issue among Democrats.

In any event, the emphasis is likely to switch away from offshore drilling, which the Post says was this year’s emphasis.

Ethanol will likely be a winner. The Des Moines Register says Ethanol investors were buoyed by the elections, which are likely to put corn state Democrats in control of key committees.

Shares in Archers Daniel Midland were up nearly 7 percent Wednesday. Pacific Ethanol was up about 8 percent. VeraSun Energy Corp. rose 9 percent.