Abandoned Well Remediation R&D Act

Summary#

This bill would add a new section to Title VI of Division D of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It would require the Secretary of Energy to establish an abandoned wells research, development, and demonstration program within 120 days after enactment. The bill defines an "abandoned well" as a well originally drilled for oil and gas that is not being used, has not been plugged, and has no anticipated oil or gas use. The program would work to improve: data on the location of abandoned wells; plugging, remediation, reclamation, and repurposing methods; and strategies to reduce potential environmental impacts of documented and undocumented abandoned wells.

Research activities listed in the bill include improving remote sensor tools (such as lidar, optical gas imaging, and magnetic survey technology), studying how well characteristics (age, depth, geology, construction, casing material, and region) affect methane emissions, improving cost and efficiency of plugging and remediation (including remote wells and use of low-carbon or alternative plugging materials), exploring repurposing for uses like geothermal power or carbon storage, and studying groundwater quality impacts. The program must coordinate with institutions of higher education, the National Laboratories, and the private sector. The bill authorizes specific annual appropriations for fiscal years 2026–2030. The bill was introduced March 3, 2025, sponsored by Senators Luján and Cramer, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Status: In Progress.

What it means for you#

• The bill directs federal research funding and programs to find, study, and develop ways to plug, clean up, and repurpose abandoned oil and gas wells.
• Researchers, universities, national labs, and private companies may take part in funded projects under the program.
• Communities near abandoned wells may benefit from improved location data and research on remediation and groundwater impacts, but the bill does not specify direct actions at particular sites.
• No publicly available information on new regulatory requirements for individuals or companies beyond the research and demonstration program.

Expenses#

The bill authorizes these appropriations to carry out the program:

• $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026
• $31,250,000 for fiscal year 2027
• $32,500,000 for fiscal year 2028
• $33,750,000 for fiscal year 2029
• $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2030 No publicly available information on costs beyond these authorized amounts.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s text shows its purpose: fund research and demonstrations to improve detection of abandoned wells, understand and reduce methane emissions from wells, improve plugging and remediation methods (including new materials and approaches for remote wells), evaluate repurposing options such as geothermal or carbon storage, and study groundwater impacts. It directs coordination with universities, National Laboratories, and the private sector to carry out those goals.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' views or formal objections in the provided text or metadata.