Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 3, 2025
Bottom line
The bill creates a federally funded research program to advance technologies and strategies for addressing the environmental challenges posed by abandoned oil and gas wells.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to establish a new research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program within the Department of Energy focused on improving methods for identifying, plugging, remediating, reclaiming, and repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells. It authorizes $162.5 million over five fiscal years (2026-2030) for these activities, aiming to mitigate environmental impacts like methane emissions and groundwater contamination.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is a critical investment in addressing a widespread environmental problem, as abandoned wells are significant sources of methane emissions and groundwater contamination. They contend that a dedicated RD&D program will lead to more efficient and cost-effective solutions, fostering innovation and creating jobs in the energy and environmental sectors while protecting public health and natural resources.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the problem of abandoned wells is real, a research program might delay direct action or divert funds from immediate remediation efforts. Some may contend that the authorized funding could be insufficient to make a substantial impact on a problem of this scale, or that the private sector should bear more responsibility for developing these solutions.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough review within the time typically allotted for legislative analysis.
Section 2(a), adding Section 40602(b) to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Establishment of Abandoned Wells Research, Development, and Demonstration Program
This provision mandates the Secretary of Energy to establish a research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program within 120 days of the bill's enactment. The program's goal is to enhance data collection on abandoned well locations, improve methods for plugging, remediating, reclaiming, and repurposing these wells, and develop strategies to reduce their environmental impact.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this program is essential to develop the next generation of tools and techniques needed to effectively address the complex challenges posed by millions of abandoned wells across the country, which are currently costly and difficult to manage.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the establishment of a research program itself, though some might question the allocation of resources to research rather than immediate, direct remediation.
Tradeoffs
The program prioritizes long-term technological solutions over immediate, widespread remediation, balancing the need for future efficiency with current environmental concerns.
Section 2(a), adding Section 40602(c) to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Specific Research, Development, and Demonstration Activities
This section details the specific areas of focus for the RD&D program. These include improving remote sensing and other technologies for identifying wells, understanding how well characteristics affect methane emissions, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of plugging and repurposing methods (like using low-carbon cement or converting wells for geothermal or carbon capture), and studying the impact of wells on groundwater quality.
Section 2(a), adding Section 40602(e) to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Authorization of Appropriations
This provision authorizes specific funding amounts for the abandoned wells RD&D program for five fiscal years, from 2026 to 2030. The authorized amounts are $30 million for FY2026, increasing incrementally each year to $35 million for FY2030, totaling $162.5 million over the five-year period.