The Department of the Interior is proposing new regulations to reduce the impact of coal mining on streams.
The rule, which has been in the works for six years, creates a buffer zone that restricts mining operations within 100 feet of streams and aquifers.
Joe Pizarchik, the director of the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement says the rule also aims to restore streams.
"In other words, it has to have the same type of water and critters living in the stream after mining and reclamation than there was before mining," Pizarchik said.
Some Republicans reacted quickly. In a statement, Wyoming Senator John Barrasso said, "...this overreaching rule is designed to help put coal country out of business."
For now the rule is just a proposal and will be open to public comment for 60 days.