While BLM regulations set minimum amounts for bonds, they also require bonds in an increased amount in certain circumstances and authorize BLM to require an increased bond amount when the operator poses a risk due to certain factors. First, when an operator who has failed to plug a well or reclaim lands in a timely manner that resulted in BLM making a demand on a bond in the prior 5 years applies for a new permit to drill, BLM must require a bond in an amount equal to the BLM cost estimate for plugging the well and reclaiming the disturbed.
