Christmas Comes Early for Operators in Wyoming as BLM Extends Bonding Phase-In Deadline
PAW Calls Move Significant Progress in Addressing Harmful Regulations
December 18, 2025
Casper, Wyo. – Christmas has come early thanks to a move by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to issue a Direct Final Rule (DFR) amending BLM regulations put in place during the Biden Administration to “extend the phase-in date for compliance with the minimum bond amount for Statewide oil and gas bonds.” This rule will delay compliance with the Biden Era bonding requirements that amounts to a 1400% increase on operators while the Trump Administration works to find more durable solutions that spur domestic production rather than forcing Wyoming’s small operators to shutter.
“This marks significant progress in addressing the anti-oil and natural gas regulations that were handed down during the previous administration,” said Pete Obermueller, PAW President. “While this rule does not cover new bonds and does not fully rescind these outrageous bonding requirements, it does give Wyoming’s small operators much needed breathing room on their existing bonds. We will continue to work with the Trump Administration to fully address our concerns as we partner with them to unleash domestic oil and gas production on federal lands.”
PAW has spent considerable time and resources both fighting these harmful regulations and striving to implement workable solutions in Wyoming. The delay will allow the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission the time to finalize the Wyoming Bonding Pool that was championed by PAW during the last Legislative Session.
These efforts epitomize the work the Petroleum Association of Wyoming does on behalf of Wyoming’s producers. One third of Wyoming’s oil and gas is produced by small, locally-owned companies. Keeping these Wyoming families producing the energy the world needs is among PAW’s top priorities.
About PAW: Representing Wyoming’s primary economic engine, the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, is the voice of the oil and gas industry. Our members produce 90% of Wyoming’s oil and gas, generating over $8 billion in economic activity and employing more than 19,000 of Wyoming’s hard-working men and women. PAW strives to foster mutually beneficial relationships with Wyoming’s landowners, businesses, and communities while promoting the sustainable production of Wyoming’s abundant resources.
The Petroleum Association of Wyoming provides a forum for education, interaction, and unified action for members, policymakers, and the public.