Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Statewide Bonds; Extension of Phase-In Deadline

Comment deadline on Federal rule to extend the phase-in period for compliance with the Oil and Gas Rule’s bonding requirement – deadline Jan 20th, 2026

Federal Register Notice

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/18/2025-23228/federal-onshore-oil-and-gas-statewide-bonds-extension-of-phase-in-deadline

Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

1. 43 CFR Part 3100, A2407-014-004-065516, #O2509-014-004-125222, RIN 1004-AF52

Quotes from Federal Register:

“The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is issuing this direct final rule (DFR) to amend BLM regulations to extend the phase-in date for compliance with the minimum bond amount for Statewide oil and gas bonds. The current regulation requires operators to increase or replace existing Statewide bonds to meet the $500,000 minimum bond amount by June 22, 2026. This rule extends that deadline to June 22, 2027, aligning it with the phase-in date for individual lease bonds.”

“The final rule is effective on February 17, 2026, unless significant adverse comments are received by January 20, 2026. If significant adverse comments are received, notice will be published in the Federal Register before the effective date either withdrawing the rule or issuing a new final rule that responds to any significant adverse comments.”

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You may submit comments by one of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter the Docket Number “BLM-2025-0269” and click the “Search” button. Follow the instructions at this website.
• Mail, personal, or messenger delivery: U.S. Department of the Interior, Director (630), Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C St. NW, Room 5646, Washington, DC 20240, Attention: 1004-AF52.

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