Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act

5/25/2024, 12:42 AM

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.

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.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 4877

Introduced on
2023-07-25

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/1/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

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.

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.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo 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.

Policy Areas
Environmental Protection

Potential Impact
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

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary5/24/2024

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. ...


Latest Action5/1/2024
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.