Code of Federal Regulations Title 43. Public Lands:  Interior § 43.3162.3 Conduct of operations

(a) Whenever a change in operator occurs, the authorized officer shall be notified promptly in writing, and the new operator shall furnish evidence of sufficient bond coverage in accordance with § 3106.6 and subpart 3104 of this title.

(b) A contractor on a leasehold shall be considered the agent of the operator for such operations with full responsibility for acting on behalf of the operator for purposes of complying with applicable laws, regulations, the lease terms, NTL's, Onshore Oil and Gas Orders, and other orders and instructions of the authorized officer.