CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A federal agency is seeking public comments on ways to help make sure that coal mining doesn't damage streams.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement says it's developing a new stream protection rule.

One option is to leave regulations the way they are. Other options would attempt to prevent damage to streams without eliminating surface coal mining.

The agency developed the alternatives after getting more than 32,000 comments during a previous scoping period last year.

The rule is expected to have the greatest impact in Appalachia, where mountaintop mining occurs, but also will apply at coal mines nationwide.

Public comments on the proposal are due by July 30.