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Pa. gains new abandoned gas wells as it sets records capping old ones

The state awarded more than $23 million in contracts to plug wells in 2023.

By Rachel McDevitt

Updated: October 19, 2023 | 11:12 am

100 plugged and 300,000+ to go; Abandoned well cleanup effort jumps with federal money

Shapiro celebrated the 100th well plugged this year at a state park in Washington County on Wednesday.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. advocates say more scrutiny needed over well-plugging money

Pennsylvania has upwards of 200,000 estimated orphan and abandoned wells.

By Rachel McDevitt

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visits Pittsburgh-area home to tout Biden abandoned well money

‘Historic’ infrastructure bill funds $4.7 billion in cleanups, though Pennsylvania companies are still abandoning wells.

By Reid Frazier

Pa. drillers abandoned thousands of natural gas wells in 5 years, ignored state law, report says

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the review, but it will be up to new Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration to take any action.

By Rachel McDevitt

A new Pa. law aims to address old gas well cleanup. It could make the problem worse, critics say

Gov. Wolf said the law eliminates the state’s authority to impose stricter requirements than what’s needed under Pa. law, even if more stringent requirements are mandatory parts of the federal program.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pennsylvania could get $100M in federal money to plug leaky, old gas wells

Old wells leak the potent greenhouse gas methane and toxins that can cause health issues for people who live nearby.

By Rachel McDevitt

Legislation pits two climate efforts — solar energy and plugging abandoned gas wells — against each other

Instead of letting the state reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by claiming the power generated by new solar projects, the bill would have the state sell the renewable energy credits generated by that clean power.

By Rachel McDevitt
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