Secretary Haaland announces the release of $40 million to plug orphaned wells on reservations.
The Department of the Interior has released the first phase of funding for plugging abandoned oil and gas wells on Tribal lands, providing $40 million to ten Indigenous Tribes to plug 414 wells.
Abandoned oil and gas wells present a number of safety hazards to both people and the environment, contaminating groundwater and leaking the potent greenhouse gas methane into the atmosphere. Plugging them is an effective way for communities to resolve the issues these abandoned wells have left behind.
“Indigenous communities have long been disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “The Department is committed to improving safety and health conditions for Indian Country, honoring Tribal sovereignty, and supporting sustainable development and good-paying jobs. We are doing this by working with Tribes every step of the way, because we know Tribal leaders know best how to care for their people.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Haaland as she heads her department’s efforts to improve the safety of tribal lands.
- For Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland as he oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Sources: Department of the Interior
