The Pennsylvania State Senate has approved legislation intended to streamline the process of plugging abandoned oil and gas wells across the state. Lawmakers estimate there are about 350,000 abandoned wells statewide that can pose safety and environmental risks.
The measure, Pennsylvania Senate Bill 712, addresses requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection related to plugging wells. Current regulations require well-plugging contractors to clean out a well to its total depth before it can be sealed. Supporters of the bill say the process has created uncertainty in cases where reaching the full depth is not possible. The legislation defines what qualifies as a reasonable effort to reach the attainable bottom of a well before plugging, with the goal of reducing delays in the cleanup process.
State officials say the clarification could help Pennsylvania more efficiently use nearly $400 million in federal funding designated for plugging abandoned wells.
The bill has been sent to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for further consideration.
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