U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson representing Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson representing Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson and Chris Deluzio have introduced the Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act, aiming to give states greater flexibility in plugging abandoned oil wells. These wells can lead to issues such as water contamination and methane emissions.
The legislation seeks to reduce state agency burdens related to testing procedures, thus maximizing federal funds usage for plugging more wells. Pennsylvania alone has 27,230 documented abandoned wells according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
"Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the petroleum industry," said Rep. Thompson. "Now, it's essential to ensure these legacy sites are safely and properly restored."
Rep. Deluzio emphasized that the bill is a bipartisan effort to expedite well cleanup: "Western Pennsylvania has one of the highest concentrations of abandoned wells in the country—including at least 25 in Beaver County and 219 in Allegheny County."
Lori Wrotenbery from the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission expressed support for the legislation: "The Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act focuses on addressing orphan wells by eliminating barriers... We urge Congress to pass this bill."
Heather Reams from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions praised Thompson's leadership: "This bipartisan legislation restores clarity and efficiency... By accelerating cleanup efforts, this bill helps protect communities."
Supporters of the bill include several organizations such as Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, Heritage Foundation Action, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, ConservAmerica, The Nature Conservancy, Independent Petroleum Association of America, and Wildlife Management Institute.
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