Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of isolated oil and gas wells (abandoned and often undocumented) pose a threat to public health, the environment and climate. These wells were not properly blocked, even decades or even a century ago, and are now leaking methane and other contaminants into the atmosphere, soil and water. As Camila Domonoske reported, these relics of the fossil fuel industry are hidden in forests, farmland, neighbourhoods, and even riverbeds.
The first step to addressing this issue is to find a well. This is a task that has been made difficult by sparse records and outdated maps. Experts like oil engineer Dan Arthur often liken it to fossil hunting, using everything from gas detection cameras to drones and historical research to hunt down these forgotten sites. The federal government has allocated $4.7 billion through bipartisan infrastructure laws to help locate and block these wells, but the enormous scale and cost of the issue remains challenging. Today, many wells are still orphaned due to loopholes, weak regulations, and businesses that go bankrupt or take responsibility.
Beyond methane, orphan wells can release toxic substances and pollute ecosystems for a long time after halting oil or gas production. Experts argue that without stronger policies, such as demanding higher guaranteed debts or limiting counterproductive wells, they can be held responsible. Some states are progressing, but the current pace and funding are far below what they need. As Domonoske reports, supporters and tribal leaders like Everett Waller emphasize that interests are too high to ignore, calling for sustained efforts to map, monitor this harmful chapter of the American energy past, and finally bring a sunset.
Source link
