The next installment of over $63 million will be implemented under the infrastructure law.
The Department of the Interior announced the next round of funding for abandoned oil and gas wells, distributing $63.8 million to close hundreds of old wells across the country. The Bipartisan Infrastructure law allocated $16 billion to the closure of thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells, and the department has been systematically distributing those funds on a yearly basis.
When not closed properly, abandoned oil and gas wells pose a number of safety hazards to the public. They can leak toxic chemicals into local water supplies, taint the soil around them, and release enormous amounts of methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases.
“Decades of drilling have left behind thousands of non-producing wells that now threaten the health and wellbeing of our communities, our lands, and our waters,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “This funding will put Americans to work in good-paying jobs, while also fueling collaboration across a broad coalition of stakeholders and engaging communities to work toward sustainable stewardship of the nation’s treasured lands and waters.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the interior secretary to be prudent as she heads efforts to close abandoned oil wells.
- For interior officials as they identify wells that need to be closed for public health and safety.
- For the president and his administration as they pursue alternative energy sources.
Sources: Department of the Interior
