In November 2021, Congress passed legislation that will fund and support state-sponsored orphaned wells plugging programs starting in the summer of 2022. The Revive Economic Growth and Reclaim Orphaned Wells (REGROW) Act of 2021, which was integrated into the bipartisan infrastructure bill, will provide $4.275 billion for orphaned well cleanup on state and private lands, $400 million for cleanup on private and tribal lands, and $32 million for research.
The Council, led by the Well Servicing Committee, is forming a working group to draft a best practices document to help support and educate the sector for plugging orphaned wells. The document will detail and emphasize safety standards and requirements that should be considered during the initial bidding process of all upcoming plug and abandon (P&A) projects.
Plugging orphaned oil and gas wells presents an opportunity to mitigate harmful emissions and provide an economic boost to communities transitioning away from fossil fuel economies. This working group will help ensure that all future P&A jobs are facilitated responsibly and safely.
If you have experience in P&A projects and would like to join the working group, please contact Director Government Affairs Deidre Kohlrus.
Phillip DeBauche, Director, Environmental and Technical, writes about the Council’s environmental and HSE efforts. Click here to subscribe to the Council’s newsletter, which highlights industry practices, workforce development, Council activities and more.
