WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced his support for the bipartisan Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (AWRRDA). This legislation aims to improve methods for detecting and remediating abandoned oil and gas wells, which pose risks to Pennsylvania’s environment and communities.
The bill would establish a research program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The program’s goal is to develop better techniques for identifying abandoned wells and understanding the impact of their pollution on the environment and public health. Plugging these wells could create good-paying jobs and protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources for future generations.
“The only way to protect our Commonwealth from abandoned wells’ dangerous methane emissions is to make sure that we can find and plug all the wells. This legislation will help us to locate more wells and better understand their impact on our communities,” said Senator Casey. “I won’t stop fighting to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources until these hazards are cleaned up.”
The Abandoned Well Remediation, Research, and Development Act supports DOE efforts to develop efficient and sustainable methods for identifying and plugging abandoned wells. The legislation would focus on various key technologies, including understanding methane emission rates, developing low carbon lightweight cement, improving remote plugging technology, repurposing wells for geothermal power, and assessing the impact of abandoned wells on groundwater.
Through AWRRDA, Pennsylvania would gain new resources to address these environmental hazards. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).
This initiative aims to address the environmental and safety concerns posed by abandoned oil and gas wells, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for all.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.