Senator reckons draft US climate bill commanding bi-partisan support could be ready before UN summit
In high-risk move, Democrats vote Boxer-Kerry through key Senate committee despite Republican boycott
But officials insist they are still hopeful for a "binding and real political agreement" next month
Senate delay means no bill likely before Copenhagen
Democrats insist the show must go on, despite Republicans' refusal to attend mark-up meetings
Seven members of Environment and Public Works Committee say they will not show up to this week's key climate bill meetings
Move met with opposition from Baucus and Inhofe
Officials pour cold water on hopes that a binding agreement will be reached this year
President expected to announce up to $3.4bn in smart-grid grants as Department of Energy releases fresh climate science funding
Top aide says bipartisan talks are delivering "very encouraging" results