Northwest PA News

U.S. Representatives Glenn "GT" Thompson and Chris Deluzio have introduced the Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act, a new legislation aimed at giving states more flexibility in plugging abandoned oil wells. Abandoned wells, if left unplugged or improperly plugged, can have severe environmental consequences, including water contamination, methane emissions, and the introduction of harmful pollutants to the local ecosystem.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, there are currently 27,230 documented abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells across the state. Recognizing the need to address this issue, Rep. Thompson stated, "Pennsylvania’s oil and gas sites ushered in the modern petroleum industry, which helped lead the United States to become a global power and energy producer. Now, we must ensure these sites are properly and safely restored."

The Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act aims to cut red tape and accelerate environmental rehabilitation by removing unnecessary burdens on state agencies regarding certain testing procedures. By maximizing federal dollars, more wells can be plugged, reducing the risks they pose to communities and the environment.

Rep. Deluzio, who represents a district in Western Pennsylvania, highlighted the urgency of addressing the high concentration of abandoned wells in the region. He stated, "Abandoned, non-operating oil and gas wells are dangerous to the public, the environment, and people's livelihoods. Unfortunately, Western Pennsylvania has one of the highest concentrations of abandoned wells in the country."

The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has allocated $4.7 billion to plug abandoned wells across the country. Rep. Deluzio expressed his commitment to ensuring that these federal funds are effectively utilized. He said, "I’m glad to work with fellow Pennsylvanian Rep. Thompson on the Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act to help get these federal funds to plug more abandoned wells faster."

The Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act has garnered support from various organizations, including the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, ConservAmerica, the Wildlife Management Institute, Heritage Action, and Bipartisan Policy Center Action. Lori Wrotenbery, Executive Director of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, commended the lawmakers for their leadership, stating, "The Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act focuses on the goal of addressing orphan wells by eliminating barriers to well plugging efforts and allowing each state to optimize its resources and efficiencies more cost-effectively. We urge Congress to pass this bill."

The introduction of the Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act is a crucial step towards addressing the environmental threats posed by abandoned oil wells. By empowering states to maximize their operational flexibility, this legislation aims to ensure the proper restoration of these sites and protect surrounding communities from the harmful consequences of abandoned wells.