The Department of the Interior has revealed a significant investment of $63.8 million to tackle the issue of orphaned oil and gas well sites on public lands. President Biden's Investing in America agenda aims to address the environmental and safety hazards posed by these wells, which contribute to methane pollution and climate change. The funding, part of a broader $16 billion investment, will create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable stewardship of public lands.

 
The $63.8 million investment will be allocated to five federal bureaus within the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. The funds will be used to plug and remediate orphaned well sites in national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and other public lands and waters. These wells pose serious safety risks and contribute significantly to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change.

Secretary Deb Haaland highlighted the importance of President Biden's agenda in addressing legacy pollution and protecting communities, lands, and waters. Haaland emphasized the investment's dual benefits of job creation and environmental stewardship, stating, "This funding will put Americans to work in good-paying jobs while fueling collaboration and sustainable stewardship."

The allocated funds form part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $250 million initiative to clean up orphaned well sites on federal public lands. This year's funding represents a substantial increase from the previous year, doubling the investment in reclamation efforts and expanding projects from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Circle.

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-64-million-address-legacy-pollution-federal