A group of Stanford University researchers published the results of a methane leakage study on February 14 in Science that found volumes of the potent greenhouse gas released from US oil & natural gas development and infrastructure exceeds EPA estimates. “According to the new research, all told, the U.S. leaks about 14 million metric tons of CH4, or 50 percent more than EPA had estimated…That means the U.S. is likely leaking 2.25 percent, not 1.5 percent, of all the natural gas used, according to the new study,…” Overall however, it appears from an emissions standpoint, that burning natural gas for power generation remains preferable to coal. [Scientific American]

US natural gas futures for March delivery rose just above the symbolic $6.00 level yesterday, the highest close since December 3, 2008. “It’s profit taking,” said Stephen Schork, president of Schork Group Inc., a consultant in Villanova, Pennsylvania. “The bulls are locking in to free up cash to send this market higher tomorrow”(….) “Gas inventories probably fell 257 billion cubic feet last week, based on the median of 16 analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg.” [Bloomberg]

The DOE looks set to approve $6.5 billion in loan guarantees for new nuclear power plant construction. “Government officials familiar with the deal said two loan guarantees totaling $6.5 billion will be offered to Georgia Power, a Southern subsidiary, and Oglethorpe Power Co., a partner on the project. A separate agreement guaranteeing $1.8 billion was still being negotiated with a third Vogtle partner, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia.” [Associated Press]