Some well operators may file a blanket bond instead of separate security, with bond amounts based on how many wells they operate.
Sec. 91.1042. BLANKET BOND. (a) A person required to file a bond, letter of credit, or cash deposit under Section 91.103 may file a blanket bond to cover all wells for which a bond, letter of credit, or cash deposit is required as follows: (1) a person who operates 10 or fewer wells shall file a $25,000 blanket bond; (2) a person who operates more than 10 but fewer than 100 wells shall file a $50,000 blanket bond; and (3) a person who operates 100 or more wells shall file a $250,000 blanket bond. (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the commission by rule shall set the amount of the bond for an operator of bay or offshore wells at a reasonable amount that exceeds the amount provided by Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3), as applicable. (c) When calculating the number of an operator's wells for purposes of Subsection (a), the commission shall exclude a well if the well bore is included in a well-specific plugging insurance policy described by Section 91.104(c). (d) If the inclusion of a bay or offshore well whose well bore is included in a well-specific plugging insurance policy described by Section 91.104(c) in the calculation under Subsection (b) of the amount of the bond an operator of bay or offshore wells is required to file would result in an increase in the amount of the bond that would otherwise be required, the rules must provide for the exclusion of the well from the calculation. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 603, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1233, Sec. 23, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1233, Sec. 24, eff. Sept. 1, 2004. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 489 (H.B. 380), Sec. 3, eff. June 17, 2005.