New Law Aims to Address Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells in West Virginia
West Virginia is home to over 20,000 abandoned oil and gas wells, raising concerns about water contamination and environmental hazards for local communities. In response, state lawmakers have enacted a new law designed to simplify the process of filling these wells. Previously, regulations mandated the removal of mining infrastructure before wells could be sealed with cement, a requirement that often hindered the plugging efforts.
Governor Patrick Morrisey emphasized the importance of the new law during a recent news conference, stating it allows operators to plug wells without dismantling large mine shafts. "This will provide greater flexibility, particularly for older wells that are in poor structural condition," he explained.
Historically, West Virginia could only plug a handful of wells each year due to funding limitations. However, federal investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act have enabled the state to plug around 275 wells over the last three years. With the new law set to take effect on July 10, Morrisey noted that safely sealing a well can cost between $60,000 and $200,000, yet it is crucial to prevent risks to surface and groundwater sources. Advocacy group West Virginia Rivers reports that over half of state residents live within a mile of an active well.
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