The changes would reduce bonds from $500,000 down to $25,000 for all wells a company drills in a state. The money is expected to cover the costs of plugging a well when it is done producing and returning the land to its original state.

“The bonds would not even cover the plugging,” Nelson said.

The rule changes would eliminate the requirement that the BLM notify split-estate landowners when the agency offers oil and gas leases under their property.

The changes would also reduce the amount of time for comment on potential oil and gas development on a split estate from 90 days down to 10.

“No notice, no voice, no future,” said Don Schreiber, a New Mexico landowner who joined Nelson and others Monday on a video press conference about the changes. The press conference was organized by the Western Organization of Resource Councils, which includes North Dakota-based Dakota Resource Council.