Oil and gas bonding is problematic because of the boom-and-bust nature of the industry. States like Colorado and Wyoming face a reclamation crisis because of insufficient bonds, coupled with bankrupt oil and gas companies. In the face of insufficient bonding for cleanup, landowners must deal with abandoned wells on their property, and taxpayers are often on the hook for millions of dollars of cleanup costs. Learn more about state bonding requirements here.
Below are stories about oil and gas well bonding and reclamation.
From Homesteads to National Parks, unchecked Oil and Gas development threatens North Dakota - The west brought the Ashleys a sense of solitude and freedom, however, the peace they once knew has since been disrupted by an oil well that was put in at the base of their driveway. 
Bonding Crisis Looms in Colorado as Gas Prices Tip Into the Red - Residents of Battlement Mesa and Rifle, Colorado, are on the verge of seeing gas companies abandoning their wells and leaving taxpayers to clean up the… Continue reading → Bonding Crisis Looms in Colorado as Gas Prices Tip Into the Red
Reducing Emissions and Wasted Natural Gas With the BLM Methane Waste Rule - Don Schreiber has been a vocal advocate for the BLM methane waste rule, a safeguard aimed at reducing emissions and reduced wasted natural gas from… Continue reading → Reducing Emissions and Wasted Natural Gas With the BLM Methane Waste Rule
How an Oil Boom Takes on a Life of Its Own - “My name is Pat Wilson. I’m a 67 year old cattle rancher who’s had a somewhat checkered career. I grew up on the family… Continue reading → How an Oil Boom Takes on a Life of Its Own
“I’ve seen enough natural gas wasted to have heated my home forever.” - “I’m Mike Wilson, and I live in Bainville, Montana. I’m a rancher. My parents ranched on our place before me, and my grandparents and great-grandparents… Continue reading → “I’ve seen enough natural gas wasted to have heated my home forever.”