What’s Behind the $76.4 Million Push to Clean Up Pennsylvania’s Orphaned Wells?

Federal Investment of $76.4 Million Set to Address Pennsylvania's Orphaned WellsSubmitted Image

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior has earmarked $76.4 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to tackle the pressing issue of orphaned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. This substantial allocation is part of a larger national effort to mitigate the environmental hazards posed by these abandoned sites.

Orphaned wells, remnants of a bygone era of oil and gas exploration, are scattered across the nation, leaking methane and posing significant risks to air and water quality. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, exacerbates climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere with much greater efficacy than carbon dioxide. The injection of funds into Pennsylvania’s environmental sector aims to plug approximately 550 such wells over the next five years, promising substantial reductions in methane emissions and safeguarding public health.

This initiative is nested within the broader framework of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which represents the largest investment in addressing legacy pollution in U.S. history, totaling $4.7 billion for orphaned well remediation nationwide. The law provides grants across three tiers: initial, formula, and performance, enabling states to systematically address hazardous sites. As of August 2022, $565 million in initial grants has been distributed to 25 states, with Pennsylvania already receiving $25 million to commence cleanup operations.

The strategic focus of this federal funding extends beyond mere environmental remediation. It is poised to create well-paying union jobs, stimulate local economies, and prioritize the cleanup of wells located in communities that have historically been overburdened by pollution. This aligns with the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities.

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Secretary Deb Haaland underscored the broader implications of this initiative, highlighting its alignment with the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan and stating, “These investments are good for our climate, for the health of our communities, and for American workers.”

Since the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, over 8,200 orphaned wells have been plugged nationwide, including over 200 in Pennsylvania. The economic impact is substantial, with the program supporting approximately 7,200 jobs and contributing over $900 million to the national economy over the past two fiscal years.

As Pennsylvania continues to apply for additional phases of funding, the state’s efforts to tackle legacy pollution will set a precedent for other regions. The infusion of federal funds not only addresses the immediate environmental challenges but also fosters a sustainable economic landscape, setting the stage for long-term ecological and community health.

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