Typically, gasses like visible nitrogen oxide are released if explosive charges are not properly detonated. On April 18, 2014, WEG petitioned OSM to initiate rulemaking pursuant to Section 201(g) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), 30 U.S.C. § 1201(g), which permits any person to petition the Director of OSM to begin a proceeding for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of any SMCRA regulation.1 WEG asserted that blasting at coal mines leads to dangerous levels of visible nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions, visible as orange-red clouds and irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. At higher levels, the group claimed NOX emissions can cause more severe reactions and even death.