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Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act

5/25/2024, 12:42 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4877

Bill 118 HR 4877, also known as the Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act, aims to address the issue of abandoned oil and gas wells in the United States. These wells pose environmental and safety risks, as they can leak harmful substances into the surrounding soil and water.

The bill proposes funding for research and development efforts to find innovative solutions for remediating abandoned wells. This includes studying new technologies and techniques for sealing and cleaning up these wells, as well as assessing the environmental impact of abandoned wells on local communities.

Additionally, the bill seeks to create partnerships between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions to collaborate on well remediation projects. This collaborative approach is intended to leverage the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to effectively address the issue of abandoned wells. Overall, the Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act aims to protect the environment and public health by finding sustainable solutions for addressing abandoned oil and gas wells in the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 4877

Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act

This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a research, development, and demonstration program concerning abandoned oil and gas wells. Under the program, DOE must work to improve (1) data collection on the location of abandoned oil or gas wells; (2) the plugging, remediation, reclamation, and repurposing of the wells; and (3) strategies to mitigate potential environmental impacts of documented and undocumented abandoned wells. The program terminates after five years.

Current Status of Bill HR 4877

Bill HR 4877 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since May 1, 2024. Bill HR 4877 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on July 25, 2023.  Bill HR 4877's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. as of May 1, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4877

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
12
Democrat Cosponsors
10
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4877

Primary Policy Focus

Environmental Protection

Potential Impact Areas

- Air quality
- Alternative and renewable resources
- Climate change and greenhouse gases
- Electric power generation and transmission
- Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
- Research and development
- Water storage
- Water use and supply

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4877

Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act
Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act
Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act
Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act
To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research, development, and demonstration program with respect to abandoned wells, and for other purposes.

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