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Although noting that industry never wants to be taxed, one of the largest players in the Marcellus Shale said it supports an impact fee in principle.

Contrary to some previous reports, natural gas offers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions advantages compared with coal-fired power generation, according to a recent study by Worldwatch Institute and Deutsche Bank Climate Change Advisors. Earlier this year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updated its methodology for estimating methane (CH4) emissions from natural gas systems, but gas-fired generation still releases 47% less GHGs than coal from source to use, the researchers said. A controversial study by Cornell University earlier this year reported that CH4 leaks were a particular concern for gas produced from shale formations using hydraulic fracturing (see Shale Daily, April 13). But even counting higher estimated emissions of CH4 from shale gas production activities, gas-fired power generation still beats coal-fired power by a wide margin when it comes to overall GHG emissions, according to a subsequent study published by the gas-friendly American Clean Skies Foundation (see Shale Daily, April 21). IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates in August said GHG emissions from shale gas production likely are “significantly overstated” (see Shale Daily, Aug. 25). Another recent study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that burning natural gas emits “far less” carbon dioxide than coal but even so, more reliance on gas won’t significantly slow climate change.

Contrary to some previous reports, natural gas offers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions advantages compared with coal-fired power generation, according to a recent study by Worldwatch Institute and Deutsche Bank Climate Change Advisors. Earlier this year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updated its methodology for estimating methane (CH4) emissions from natural gas systems, but gas-fired generation still releases 47% less GHGs than coal from source to use, the researchers said. A controversial study by Cornell University earlier this year reported that CH4 leaks were a particular concern for gas produced from shale formations using hydraulic fracturing (see Daily GPI, April 13). But even counting higher estimated emissions of CH4 from shale gas production activities, gas-fired power generation still beats coal-fired power by a wide margin when it comes to overall GHG emissions, according to a subsequent study published by the gas-friendly American Clean Skies Foundation (see Daily GPI, April 21). IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates in August said GHG emissions from shale gas production likely are “significantly overstated” (see Shale Daily, Aug. 25). Another recent study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that burning natural gas emits “far less” carbon dioxide than coal but even so, more reliance on gas won’t significantly slow climate change (see Daily GPI, Sept. 15).

Not surprisingly, with the weekend decline of industrial load being added to the existing bearish influences that had taken the market lower in the previous two days, prices fell again at nearly every location Friday in the launch of the October aftermarket.

Columbia Gas (TCO) said system operational conditions have improved, allowing it to lift Monday a Critical Day for storage that had been in effect for the previous two days. Daily storage penalties are no longer in effect and interruptible services, including AutoPAL (Park and Loan), are now available, the pipeline said. TCO also said it took the WB-Loop from Granny’s Creek valve to Gassaway valve, located in Braxton and Clay counties, WV, out of service for five days Monday to make modifications to the pipeline. Four production meters have been shut in for the duration of the outage, affecting 3,406 Dth/d.

After ending a previous Overage Alert Day (OAD) Friday but saying a new one might become necessary soon, Florida Gas Transmission wasted little time before implementing a new OAD for market-area customers Saturday. The tolerance for negative daily imbalances was initially set at 20% that day but was increased to 25% Sunday and Monday.

The Alberta Energy Ministry said it has sold a record C$2.68 billion in drilling rights so far this year, eclipsing the previous record of C$2.39 billion set in 2010.

Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale operators produced nearly as much natural gas in the first six months of 2011 as they did in the previous year and a half, according to new Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) data.

The Alberta Energy Ministry said it has sold a record C$2.68 billion in drilling rights so far this year, eclipsing the previous record of C$2.39 billion set in 2010.