Speaker-designate John Boehner’s office confirmed on Wednesday that Republicans will eliminate the Energy Independence and Global Warming Committee in the 112th Congress.

“We have pledged to save taxpayers’ money by reducing waste and duplication in Congress,” Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said in an e-mail. “The Select Committee on Global Warming — which was created to provide a political forum to promote Washington Democrats’ job-killing national energy tax — was a clear example, and it will not continue in the 112th Congress.”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) created the panel in 2007 to push what she has called her “flagship” issue. It is headed by Rep. Ed Markey (Mass.), who co-authored the Democrats’ ill-fated cap-and-trade bill last year.

At the time Pelosi created the panel, she faced pushback from then-Energy and Commerce Chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.), who felt the panel duplicated his committee’s efforts. The Global Warming Committee, however, did not have authority to move legislation.

Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill condemned the GOP’s decision.

“It is very disappointing that the House Republican leadership has decided not to prioritize addressing energy independence and climate change in the 112th Congress,” Hammill said in a statement. “Disbanding the select committee does not diminish the urgent need to act on these very critical issues.”

Steven T. Dennis contributed to this report.