Federal funding to create jobs, improve public health secured by Shapiro Administration

More than $76 million in federal funding has been secured by the Shapiro Administration this week to create jobs, boost the oil and gas well plugging program, and cut methane emissions. 

The funding is from the Biden-Harris Administration and will be utilized by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). With this funding, DEP expects to plug hundreds and perhaps thousands of orphaned oil and gas wells over the next five years.  

“By prioritizing the capping and plugging of orphaned and abandoned wells, my Administration is making meaningful strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania while also supporting thousands of good-paying energy jobs,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. “Pennsylvania has a long legacy as an energy leader – and these wells are proof of that. 

“Now, we are continuing that legacy by plugging and capping them, improving air quality, reducing emissions, protecting public health, and creating jobs. We are rejecting the false choice between protecting jobs and protecting our planet – and my administration will continue to draw down as much federal funding as possible to do this critical work,” added Shapiro. 

According to a release, Pennsylvania is home to more than 350,000 orphaned and abandoned wells, accounting for close to 8% of the state’s total methane emissions. Methane significantly warms the planet and contributes to air pollution, per a release. 

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is empowering communities across the country to confront long-standing environmental injustices by making a historic investment to plug orphaned oil and gas wells,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “These investments are good for our climate, for the health of our communities, and for American workers. With this additional funding, Pennsylvania will put more people to work to clean up these toxic sites, reduce methane emissions and safeguard our environment.” 

DEP is stepping in with emergency plugging contracts where needed to protect public health. 

“Orphan and abandoned wells are a serious risk to the environment and public health in Pennsylvania,” DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley said. “It’s not a question of if an abandoned well will pose a threat to the environment; it’s a question of when. This new funding will dramatically expand Pennsylvania’s ability to plug the wells that pose the greatest risks as well as others before they become a hazard.”  

The $76 million follows an initial $25 million grant awarded in 2022, which resulted in 224 wells being plugged or contracted for plugging. 

Over 27,000 orphaned and abandoned wells have been identified by the DEP, which is prioritizing those posing the highest risks. To maximize efficiency and preempt environmental threats, new plugging contracts will focus on high-priority wells. 

A new apprenticeship program to train workers to plug wells and restore well sites was announced in August by the United Mine Workers of America.