CASTLE DALE — How best to interpret and apply environmental regulations governing the permitting and operation of coal mines in Utah will be the subject of a public meeting Thursday at 9 a.m., in the Canyon Room of the Emery County Courthouse, 95 E. Main St., Castle Dale. A legislative audit of the state's coal program will be one focus of discussion. The Utah Division of Oil, Gas & Mining will conduct the meeting.

"It's important to note that the audit was not connected in any way with the disaster at Crandall Canyon," division director John Baza said. Nine men died last August after parts of the Crandall Canyon Mine caved in. "Our responsibilities are concerned solely with the enforcement of surface environmental regulations and not with underground mine worker safety."

For more information, visit www.ogm.utah.gov.