Wyoming is moving forward with sweeping new rules to double the money oil and gas companies must put aside before drilling new wells, a measure prompted by the large number of abandoned wells that litter the state. The new regulations, which would increase the amount of bonding fees companies must pay from $75,000 to $150,000, were given initial approval this month by the state’s oil and gas conservation commission. They are still subject to a 45-day public comment period and a final vote by the commission, which is chaired by Gov. Matt Mead. The office of Mr. Mead, a Republican, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday, but state regulators say he supports the proposed changes. For years, Wyoming and other states have struggled to plug tens of thousands of wells abandoned after the energy booms. Without financially solvent parties to take ownership of the wells, they become […]