HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recenlty unveiled a new grant program aimed at capping orphaned oil and gas wells across the state. This initiative aligns with the Shapiro Administration’s objectives of minimizing methane emissions, safeguarding public health, and enhancing employment opportunities.
Backed by a substantial $76 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) under the Biden-Harris Administration, this program offers financial incentives to qualified well pluggers. Grants of up to $40,000 are available for wells under 3,000 feet, while deeper wells can receive up to $70,000. Applications commence on October 9, 2024, with awards given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the dual benefits of environmental protection and economic stimulation, stating, “By prioritizing the capping and plugging of orphaned and abandoned wells, my Administration is making meaningful strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting thousands of good-paying energy jobs across Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has a long legacy as an energy leader – and these wells are proof of that. Now, we are continuing that legacy by plugging and capping them, improving air quality, reducing emissions, protecting public health, and creating jobs. We are rejecting the false choice between protecting jobs and protecting our planet – and my Administration will continue to draw down as much federal funding as possible to do this critical work.”
Orphan wells, abandoned prior to 1985, pose significant environmental threats by potentially leaking methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley highlighted the urgency of the situation: “Orphan wells can leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere and pollute groundwater. It is not a matter of ‘if’ an orphan well will be a threat to the environment and public health – it’s a matter of ‘when’. This new program will allow private entities to plug lower-risk and lower-cost orphan wells while DEP focuses on priority wells that can be more expensive to plug. Plugging these orphan wells creates good-paying jobs and improves the environment. We are encouraging any qualified well pluggers to apply and help improve the economy and the environment.”
The Shapiro Administration’s proactive stance has already resulted in the plugging of over 260 wells, surpassing efforts made in the previous decade. The state’s current budget allocates $11 million to DEP’s Office of Oil and Gas Management, ensuring robust support for these initiatives.
Pennsylvania, a state with approximately 350,000 orphaned wells contributing significantly to methane emissions, is intensifying its efforts to mitigate this issue. DEP has prioritized more than 27,000 wells for intervention and is employing both federal and state resources to address high-risk sites efficiently.
This focused approach not only aims to curb one of the major contributors to greenhouse gases but also promises to expand the state’s workforce. Partnerships with organizations like the United Mine Workers of America, which recently launched an apprenticeship program for well plugging, underscore the broader economic implications of this environmental strategy.
As Pennsylvania positions itself as a leader in both energy and environmental stewardship, the DEP’s grant program marks a significant step toward a sustainable and economically vibrant future.
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