There are over 15,000 abandoned oil and gas wells in the Commonwealth, producing high levels of dangerous methane emissions. They pose a significant risk to the environment.
Governor Andy Beshear said there are many Kentucky areas that cannot be farmed or lived on due to orphan wells.
“We’re working hard to cap these abandoned wells so more folks can safely enjoy these spaces. We estimate that there are more than 15,000 of these abandoned wells across the Commonwealth, and we’re finding more and more each week,” said Beshear.
Well plugging is a process where a well is filled with concrete and other materials and sealed off. After being plugged, orphan wells no longer emit methane.
Officials said since 2022, Kentucky has received over $100,000,000 from the Federal Orphan Well Plugging Program and the Department of the Interior to plug wells around the state. Recently, Beshear announced some of those funds will be invested in a program focused on improving the environment.
“The methane emissions reduction program. And that helps us reduce emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from active, low-producing oil and gas wells. We’re investing about $13,000,000 in that program to cap around 150 of these wells throughout Kentucky,” said Beshear.
The money comes from a recent allotment of $35 million from the Department of the Interior. Officials said in addition to emitting methane, unplugged orphan wells can leak oil and other toxic chemicals, endanger water wells, and contribute to air pollution.
In the last three years the state has plugged over 700 orphan wells and is in the process of plugging 150 more.
Rowan, Bath, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis counties are among the areas that will be worked on next.