West Texas faces a surge in abandoned well blow-outs

An abandoned well explosion in West Texas exposes the broader issue of orphan wells and environmental oversight.

Martha Pskowski reports for Inside Climate News in partnership with Carlos Nogueras of the Texas Tribune.

In short:

An old well's eruption on Bill Wight's ranch has brought to light the numerous undocumented and orphaned wells in Texas.
The Railroad Commission of Texas, responsible for oil and gas industry regulation, is under scrutiny for its response to environmental cleanup.
Texas received significant federal funds to address orphan well problems, but the process is hindered by issues of responsibility and documentation.

Key quote:

"Nobody really knows what you’re supposed to do about something like this."

— Bill Wight, rancher

Why this matters:

These relics of the oil and gas industry, numbering in the tens of thousands, can seep toxic chemicals, methane, and other hazardous pollutants into the environment, particularly affecting groundwater quality. The issue is compounded by the sheer volume of orphan wells and the financial and logistical challenges associated with plugging them.

insideclimatenews.org

West Texas faces a surge in abandoned well blow-outs

From invasive species tracking to water security – what’s lost with federal funding cuts at US Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Who’s ready to think about blocking out the sun?

From invasive species tracking to water security – what’s lost with federal funding cuts at US Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Interior skips NEPA analysis for offshore drilling expansion

How extreme heat is driving kidney failure in migrant workers

Members of America’s largest power grid can’t agree on how to power data centers

Africa's solar power revolution driven by China's investment

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.