Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) has introduced a bicameral bill to tighten regulations on oil well closures.
What the Bill Does
Specifically, Rep. Ansari's Stop Orphaned Wells Act requires companies to remediate oil-drilled land instead of simply abandoning it.
An estimated 140,000 orphaned oil wells nationwide, including 15,000 on federal land, burden taxpayers and pose health and environmental hazards, and the documented number has doubled since 2020.
In 2024, the Biden Administration launched $775 million for 21 states to plug orphaned wells.
What Lawmakers are Saying
"Trump asked oil and gas executives to bankroll his campaign with a $1 billion contribution in exchange for a big payback. Meanwhile, Americans are left footing the bill for the damage they leave behind," said Rep. Ansari in a press release, adding, "Orphaned wells threaten our water, wildlife, and air. I'm proud to lead the effort alongside Senator Bennet to make the oil and gas industry clean up its own mess. Our bill would ensure oil and gas companies pay to clean up the wells they abandon."
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), who introduced the bill's Senate companion, similarly stated, "For too long, taxpayers have footed the bill to clean up abandoned wells after companies walk away from their responsibilities. As the Trump administration moves to weaken the safeguards that hold companies accountable, Congress must protect taxpayers and the public lands that power Colorado's outdoor economy, while making sure oil and gas companies pay the cost of cleanup, rather than Colorado's future generations."
Past Energy Efforts
In June, Ansari's Geothermal Gold Book Development Act passed the House of Representatives.
The bill requires the Bureau of Land Management to develop a federal standard for geothermal energy production within 1 year of enactment, and the resulting "gold book," as these guidelines are known, must be published within 180 days of that deadline. Moreover, the book must be reviewed every five years for revisions needed due to policy changes or improved strategies.
