The U.S. Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation has said the proposed rule overhauls a set of regulations that are three decades old.
Under the proposal, coal companies would be required to avoid mining practices that destroy drinking water sources, permanently pollute streams, threaten forests and increase flood risk.
Companies also would be required to restore streams and return mined areas to their previous uses and form.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that supporters of the rule said during Thursday's meeting that the rule is long overdue while those who oppose it said that it is unnecessary and would hurt an already struggling industry.
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