Abandoned oil and gas wells are an increasing problem in Pennsylvania. And so is finding the money to plug them.
Since 2020, 1,154 oil and gas wells have been abandoned in Pennsylvania, while only 308 have been plugged. These hazardous wells, often left behind by private companies, pose serious risks to health and the environment by leaking methane, benzene, and polluting groundwater.
The state has an estimated 560,000 unplugged wells, with an average plugging cost of $110,000. Last year, Pennsylvania received more than $76 million in federal funds to address the issue, with potential for more through matching programs.
