This rule would require surface coal mining operators to prevent injury to people and damage to property from any harm that could result from toxic gases generated by blasting at coal mines, including nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO), and would define "blast area" to ensure areas affected by blasting are properly secured and that the public is adequately protected. This agenda item is being withdrawn at the present time to allow the Department to assess the action further and determine whether rulemaking is appropriate. Following such an assessment, the Department may determine that certain rules listed as withdrawn under this agenda are appropriate for promulgation. If that determination is made, such rules will be included in a succeeding semiannual agenda under a new RIN.