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

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

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

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.

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

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.