The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) provided notice of its plans to develop rules to control methane releases from mining operations on public lands in the April 29 edition of the Federal Register. Methane makes up nearly 9 percent of man-made greenhouse gas emissions; roughly 10 percent of methane emissions come from active or closed underground coal mines, surface coal mines, and post-mining operations. The rulemaking also aims to protect miners who may be exposed to the toxic and explosive gas if it is not vented.

Industry representatives and environmentalists alike expressed interest in developing a solution that reduces methane emissions while protecting the safety of workers.

BLM’s notice of proposed rulemaking includes a request for comments on potential methods and technologies for methane reductions that are due by June 30, 2014.

Sources: Bureau of Land Management News Releases, E&E News, Environmental Protection Agency