In the United States, orphaned/abandoned wells and their emissions of gases such as methane are a complex, far-reaching, and large-scale problem with implications for individuals and families, organizations, businesses, and governments alike. This educational reference is intended to provide resources for members of the public to become familiar with the situation, as well as solutions that are currently in motion (e.g., an investment of USD $4.7 billion from the U.S. federal government to plug orphaned oil and gas wells). For more information about Zefiro’s involvement in these efforts, please refer to our In the Press page.
Associated Press - Forgotten oil and gas wells linger, leaking toxic chemicals
https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-environment-and-nature-coronavirus-pandemic-f04ac92a45b4e02392e86b618cc4ff03
U.S. Department of the Interior - Orphaned Wells
https://doi.gov/orphanedwells
CNBC - There are millions of orphaned gas and oil wells leaking methane in the U.S. — plugging them will cost billions (February 24, 2022)
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/24/plugging-methane-leaking-oil-gas-wells-in-the-us-will-cost-billions.html
Bloomberg - Carbon Offsets | Getting Warmer With Kal Penn Episode 12
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2023-04-20/carbon-offsets-getting-warmer-with-kal-penn-episode-12
Bill Nye tells us the fastest way to slow global warming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiU-cSEGjqM
Environmental Defense Fund - Mapping Orphan Wells in Pennsylvania
https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Orphan%20Well%20FactSheet%20PA.pdf
U.S. Department of the Interior - $4.7 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help plug orphaned oil and gas wells (April 12, 2022)
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-releases-final-guidance-new-orphaned-well-program
New York Times - Pay and Plug: Federal Funds Spur Cleanup of Lost Oil Wells (February 22, 2023)
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/22/science/plugging-oil-wells.html
The White House - FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Hosts White House Methane Summit to Tackle Dangerous Climate Pollution, while Creating Good-Paying Jobs and Protecting Community Health
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/26/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-hosts-white-house-methane-summit-to-tackle-dangerous-climate-pollution-while-creating-good-paying-jobs-and-protecting-community-health/