Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) on Feb. 11 would remove burdens on state agencies regarding certain methane testing procedures in an effort to maximize the use of federal funds that could be used to plug more abandoned oil wells.
The Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act of 2025, H.R. 1217, which Rep. Thompson sponsored alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), aims to empower states to maximize their operational flexibility when plugging these wells, which, when either unplugged or improperly plugged, can pose concerns such as water contamination, methane emission, or the introduction of harmful pollutants to the local area.
“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the petroleum industry, which helped establish the United States and the commonwealth as global energy leaders,” Rep. Thompson said. “Now, it’s essential to ensure these legacy sites are safely and properly restored. The Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act will cut red tape, speed up environmental restoration, and protect communities throughout oil and gas-producing regions.”
Rep. Deluzio noted that federal dollars should be used to more quickly plug abandoned oil and gas wells.
“Western Pennsylvania has one of the highest concentrations of abandoned wells in the country, including at least 25 in Beaver County and 219 in Allegheny County,” he said. “This bill will help us pick up the pace in addressing this threat to public safety, our health, and peoples’ livelihoods.”
The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, the Heritage Foundation Action, ConservAmerica, The Nature Conservancy, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, and the Wildlife Management Institute support H.R. 1217.