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18 November 2024
West Texas legislator proposes tax funds to address oil well blowouts
A West Texas lawmaker has introduced legislation to allocate oil and gas taxes toward plugging abandoned wells and reducing emissions.
Carlos Nogueras Ramos reports for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- State Rep. Brooks Landgraf’s proposed legislation would redirect 1% of oil and gas tax revenue to seal abandoned wells and another 1% to reduce emissions, addressing long-term environmental damage in Texas caused by private companies.
- With $25 million fromm the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Texas closed 737 wells (about 10% of the estimated orphaned wells in the state), and between 2023 and 2024, it closed around 2,000 more.
- The Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees the plugging efforts, says it needs more funds to handle increasing well blowouts of toxic liquids, which pose safety and environmental risks.
- The package, called Texas STRONG, also proposes $500 million for local infrastructure and services, with additional funds allocated to reduce property taxes statewide.
Key quote:
“These high-priority wells need to be taken care of before they themselves become emergency wells.”
— Danny Sorrells, executive director of the Texas Railroad Commission
Why this matters:
Leaking and erupting oil wells threaten water quality, safety and local infrastructure. Redirecting tax funds could provide relief to communities heavily impacted by decades of oil and gas production while addressing mounting environmental and public health risks.
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