A repeat of last winter's deep freeze could lead to electricity blackouts in a clutch of states spanning the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic as proposed environmental regulations propel a switch toward natural gas-fired power.

PJM Interconnection, a regional grid operator, proposed new measures aimed at ensuring it doesn't again flirt with losing 22 percent of its electricity capacity as it did during the "polar vortex" in early January. Echoing the concerns of Republicans and some centrist Democrats who have admonished the Obama administration for rules that would restrain the use of coal-fired power, PJM noted the situation could become direr under a "rapid transition" from coal to natural gas.

According to the latest information from the U.S. Energy Information Agency, coal production in the United States fell by 5.5 percent for the week ending August 30 compared to the same time last year. Production for the week stood at 19.2 million tons compared to 20.3 million tons in 2013.

Coal production for the 52 weeks ending August 30 was also off by 1.8 percent, from 993 million tons in 2013 to 974 million tons this year.  This reduced production was reflected in the number of rail cars loaded, which fell by 7.1 percent year over year, from 86,674 cars loaded in 2013 to 84,719 cars in 2014.

The Friends of Coal social media network is continuing its unprecedented growth, adding another 1,300 fans over the past 15 days, bringing our total footprint to 86,536 fans. During that period we made 848 posts and received 18,100 incoming comments from 10,900 unique users. In total, we garnered 783,000 impressions during the two-week period – down slightly from our previous report.

Alpha Natural Resources is sponsoring the “Scramble for Scouting Golf Classic” on September 22, 2014 at Berry Hills Country Club to raise funds for the Boy Scouts of America Buckskin Council’s mentoring and outdoor education programs.  MORE THAN EVER, AMERICAN FAMILIES NEED SCOUTING’S POSITIVE INFLUENCE.  There are a number of raffle/auction items you can win at this event:  Hole-in-One Contest for a BMW X3 28i; foursomes at about every golf course in the area; airline tickets within the Continental U.S.; golf accessories, just to name a few.   There are two flights: 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., shotgun starts.  Lunch will be provided for both flights at noon.  A registration form is available from sdavison@wvcoal.com.

In recognition of the state’s leading industries, West Virginia University’s Football Program is proud to offer all industry employees and families discount tickets to the inaugural ENERGY INDUTRY DAY.  The November 1^st (TCU) is the featured games with special ticket prices for single game, and groups of 20-49, 50-99 and more than 100 tickets. Contact:  Sheldon Adams (304.293.8632) of the Mountaineer Athletic Club or e-mail:  smadams@mail.wvu.edu.