Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) announced plans to mark-up major climate change legislation prior to the August recess. This is the first specific comment this year from the Senate regarding the timetable for climate legislation. The Senate will work from the Waxman-Markey legislation, which is scheduled to hit the House floor prior to the July 4 recess. Boxer said in reference to short term emissions reductions, “You might see a little bit of a stronger bill coming out of our committee, but I don't know, we have not made a decision.” Several more hearings will be held prior to bringing the bill before committee. The question still remains whether the advocates of the legislation can garner the 60 Senate votes needed to defeat a filibuster, and most think it will be very close.