Under BLM policy, the agency must periodically review the status of these idle wells to ensure that the operator has legitimate reasons for allowing the wells to remain idle. According to BLM officials, the primary purpose of idle-well reviews is to ensure that these wells do not become orphaned—that is, they lack a bond sufficient to cover reclamation costs and there are no responsible or liable parties to perform reclamation. States have adopted laws and regulations governing oil and gas development on state and private lands, including bond and reclamation requirements. In addition, other Interior programs and offices that are.
