WASHINGTON, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro joined local leaders and officials this week in Washington County to mark the plugging of the 300th orphaned or abandoned well under his administration, far surpassing the previous decade’s total in just two years. The milestone underscores a strategic effort by the Shapiro Administration to prioritize environmental protection and job creation across Pennsylvania.
The well, located in North Franklin Township, posed significant environmental risks, including methane leakage. It was plugged under an emergency contract with Penn Mechanical Group and sits on the site of the township’s future Waterside Park, an 89-acre recreational space. “By plugging orphaned and abandoned wells, we’re tackling a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and creating thousands of good-paying jobs in the process,” said Governor Shapiro. “This is a smart, commonsense way to protect public health and create jobs.”
Efforts to address Pennsylvania’s inventory of orphaned wells, many concentrated in Western Pennsylvania, have been bolstered by both state and federal funding. The Shapiro Administration recently secured $11 million in additional state funding in the 2024-25 budget and proposed an additional $13 million in the 2025-26 budget. Federal funds, including $76.4 million awarded in 2024 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, have further accelerated these initiatives.
Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley emphasized the broader impact of these efforts, stating, “By maximizing every funding source available, we’re reducing environmental hazards, promoting development projects, and creating opportunities for local communities.”
Pennsylvania’s innovative Orphan Well Plugging Grant Program has also provided a new avenue for private and public entities to remediate smaller, low-priority wells, reserving DEP’s resources for high-impact projects. Bryan Treese, Operations Manager for Penn Mechanical Group, praised the cooperation between state agencies and private contractors, noting, “These feats could not be achieved without a good working relationship.”
With more funding applications underway, including the potential for an additional $228 million through future federal grants, the Shapiro Administration is committed to an aggressive timeline for plugging orphaned wells. “We will continue leveraging every resource available to address environmental challenges, protect our communities, and build a strong economic future for all Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro affirmed.
This historic well-plugging milestone represents both an environmental victory and a testament to the state’s dedication to improving quality of life while fostering job growth and sustainability.
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