According to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), 129,000+ abandoned oil and gas wells are “orphans” in the US. The actual number is estimated to be much higher. As these wells have no solvent owner of record, the cleanup liability falls on the states, federal agencies or Tribe; and often pose significant risks by leaking oil and other toxic chemicals, endangering water wells and contributing to air pollution, and emit methane. Orphan wells also impact local economies by decreasing property values, which lowers funding for public services.
Andrew Govert, Undocumented Orphan Wells Program Manager, Office of Fossil Energy Carbon Management, United States Department of Energy, will speak at the conference.
Date: October 25, 2023
Time: 9 AM – 4:25 PM
Location: Houston, TX
