4. Restricted Deposits

Restricted deposits as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of funds escrowed for the future plugging and abandonment of certain oil and natural gas properties.

Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Total E&P USA Inc. (“Total E&P”), security for future plugging and abandonment of certain oil and natural gas properties is required either through bonds or payments to an escrow account or a combination thereof.  Monthly payments are made to an escrow account and these funds are returned to us once verification is made that the security amount requirements have been met.  We were in compliance with the security requirements as of December 31, 2014.  See Note 16 for potential future security requirements.