The Department of the Interior has updated its guidelines for states applying to federal programs aimed at cleaning up abandoned oil and gas wells. The revised guidance updates two federal grant programs, the $780 million Orphaned Wells State Matching Grant Program and the $1.93 billion Orphaned Wells State Formula Grant Program. The changes are meant to cut red tape and help states act faster.
“States know their land and their needs best,” said Tyler Hassen, the department’s acting assistant secretary of policy, management, and budget. “By cutting unnecessary barriers, we’re helping them clean up old wells faster, protect communities, and support energy development.”
The revised guidance eliminates nonstatutory requirements and reduces burdens on state grant recipients, including the following:
- Removing the requirement that states conduct pre- and post-plugging methane measurement
- Recognizing the discretion Ssates have in identifying and plugging orphaned wells
- Eliminating the department’s post-award environmental review and approval process
“These changes make it easier for states to get to work,” said Eva Vrana, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Environmental Management. “States can move more quickly to plug wells and reduce environmental risks.”
The department said it also plans to work with states to update existing grants under the new guidelines.