The proposed changes would bring state regulations in line with much tougher federal standards.

Associated Press (AP) said changes would prohibit mining companies from negotiating monetary settlements with property owners whose water supplies are lost from subsidence caused by longwall mining. Under the new rules, the mining company would have to replace the water supply unless the state determines that is impossible.

Pennsylvania submitted the amendments to the US Office of Surface Mining in the hope the rules would be put in place within two years.

Representatives of the state’s coal industry have raised concern that the changes could force coal operations into bankruptcy.

Pennsylvania Coal Association president George Ellis told AP the group may file a lawsuit if the reforms don't preserve enough of Act 54, which the coal industry views as balancing its financial interests fairly against the interests of property owners.

The state's Environmental Quality Board and the Office of Surface Mining will hold public hearings on the proposed changes October 15 in Indiana and on October 16 in Washington.