Texas struggles with backlog of unplugged wells despite aggressive plugging program

Texas, known for its vast oil reserves and long history of drilling, is now facing a less glamorous legacy: the highest number of unplugged wells in the United States.

Elliott Woods reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

Texas has 476,790 documented unplugged wells, including 8,580 orphaned wells.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $4.7 billion for well plugging, with Texas receiving $25 million initially.
Despite plugging over 1,500 wells annually, Texas's orphan well list remains lengthy due to ongoing discoveries and undocumented wells.

Key quote:

“Right now the Railroad Commission estimates that we have almost 8,000 orphan wells that need to be plugged in the state of Texas.”

— Rep. Brooks Landgraf, an oil and gas attorney who represents the city of Odessa and chairs the Texas House Environmental Regulation Committee

Why this matters:

Unplugged wells, sometimes referred to as orphan wells, are those left behind after their productive life has ended. Without proper sealing, these wells can become conduits for toxic substances like methane and brine to contaminate local ecosystems. The environmental impact is significant, with risks ranging from groundwater pollution to air quality degradation. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can escape from these wells, exacerbating climate change.

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Texas struggles with backlog of unplugged wells despite aggressive plugging program

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