Sens. Cramer, Lujan Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Develop New Technology to Identify and Plug Orphaned Wells
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced the Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (AWRRDA). The bill invests in research and development efforts to identify and remediate abandoned gas and oil wells, which can leak methane, contaminate groundwater, create community safety risks, and limit productive use of land. Last year, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included Senator Cramer and Lujan’s REGROW Act, which built on North Dakota’s program to put displaced energy workers back to work plugging orphaned wells. However, methods for identifying, repurposing, and remediating abandoned wells can be improved.
“North Dakota has led by example remediating abandoned wells and further progress has been made with the passage of the REGROW Act. Our bill keeps this momentum going by investing in new and innovative ways to track the problem and ultimately mitigate the damage so land is returned to productive use, emissions are reduced, and safety issues are addressed,” said Senator Cramer.
“In New Mexico and across the country, abandoned wells pose
serious environmental harm and public health risks that threaten the
health of our communities. That’s why our REGROW Act works to cut
methane emissions and lessen public health risks, but more research and
development is needed to help identify the thousands of abandoned wells
nationwide,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to
introduce this bipartisan legislation to build upon our work in the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to further develop technology to identify
and plug abandoned wells to prevent public health risks, create jobs,
and boost economic growth.” Read more:https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-cramer-lujan-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-develop-new-technology-to-identify-and-plug-orphaned-wells
