Plugging the Gap: Taxpayers Shoulder the Burden of Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells

Taxpayers, federal agencies, and tribal governments are working to address Arizona's orphaned oil and gas wells, which pose environmental and health risks, while advocates call for greater accountability from oil and gas companies.

2 minute read

December 2, 2024, 8:00 AM PST

By Clement Lau


Abandoned oil well against hill covered in blooming orange flowers in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California.

Abandoned oil well in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California. | SNEHIT PHOTO / Adobe Stock

Arizona is home to approximately 200 orphaned oil and gas wells, which are abandoned wells with no identifiable owner. These wells leak methane and other pollutants, posing serious environmental and health risks, particularly to nearby communities. They can contaminate groundwater, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution. Federal, state, and tribal agencies are responsible for the costly task of locating, capping, and remediating these wells, which are a burden on taxpayers.

Efforts to address orphaned wells include federal funding initiatives like the Biden-Harris administration’s $25 million grant to Arizona’s Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for its Orphaned Oil and Gas Well Program. This program aims to identify and remediate orphaned wells across the state by December 2025, with 80 wells already located and 38 prioritized for plugging. The Navajo Nation has also received $5 million to address 19 wells, alongside a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Energy to further remediation efforts on tribal lands.

Advocates argue that oil and gas companies, not taxpayers, should bear the financial responsibility for plugging orphaned wells. Organizations like the Well Done Foundation emphasize holding companies accountable to prevent reliance on public funds. While the funding helps mitigate immediate risks, lawmakers like Rep. Raúl Grijalva stress that this is not a sustainable solution. The need for systemic reform to ensure companies clean up after themselves remains central to solving the problem.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 in Cronkite News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

6 hours ago - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City