Bill Overview
Title: Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a research, development, and demonstration program with respect to (1) data collection on the location of abandoned oil or gas wells; (2) the plugging, remediation, reclamation, and repurposing of the wells; and (3) mitigating potential environmental impacts of documented and undocumented abandoned wells.
Sponsors: Rep. Lamb, Conor [D-PA-17]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by abandoned oil or gas wells
Estimated Size: 10000000
- Abandoned oil and gas wells are found worldwide, often in countries with significant energy production sectors like the United States, Russia, China, and Middle Eastern countries.
- There are millions of abandoned wells globally, with an estimated 3 million in the United States alone.
- These wells can leak harmful gases such as methane, impacting air quality and contributing to climate change.
- Communities located near abandoned wells are susceptible to health and environmental hazards, thus a program aiming to remediate these wells has direct environmental and health implications for these populations.
- The act primarily targets environmental researchers, government agencies, and workers involved in the energy industry.
- Individuals living in proximity to well sites are at risk of water and soil contamination, further impacting agriculture and local economies.
- Mitigation of the environmental impacts of these wells also contributes to climate action efforts globally, impacting global populations indirectly affected by climate change.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to address environmental hazards posed by abandoned oil and gas wells, which are prevalent in several U.S. states, particularly those with a history of energy production.
- Certain populations, particularly those in rural areas, are more likely to live near these sites and thus face direct impacts on health and property.
- The budget suggests substantial program funding, indicating significant efforts in remediation, potentially leading to notable health and environmental improvements.
- Given the target of 10 million Americans directly impacted, the policy seems aimed at regions like Texas, Pennsylvania, and California where oil wells are concentrated.
- While direct impacts are significant for those nearby, many Americans, especially urban dwellers or those far from oil country, may not see immediate effects.
- The creation of jobs and research initiatives can provide economic benefits, particularly in communities struggling with the decline of traditional energy industries.
- Long-term environmental health improvements can translate to better quality of life and wellbeing scores across impacted communities.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Rural Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the chemicals and gas emissions from these old wells.
- Our water has suffered in the past due to well leaks, so I'm hopeful about this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Retired coal worker (Western Pennsylvania)
Age: 59 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any initiative to clean up our local environment is welcome.
- I've seen the damage on our community firsthand – it's about time something is done.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Environmental Scientist (Urban California)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see government investment in an area I'm passionate about.
- This policy could drive important research and practical solutions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Environmental Compliance Officer (Southern Louisiana)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act will strengthen our efforts to ensure safer environments.
- Having more data on wells is essential for proactive measures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
School Teacher (Suburban Colorado)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I want the best for my students and the air they breathe.
- Cleaner environments support better learning and health for kids.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Tribal Council Member (Near Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could help restore our sacred lands.
- We need collaboration respecting native sovereignty in these efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Graduate Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An important step, even for those at a distance from well sites.
- The broader impact on climate might benefit even urban areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Oil Industry Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy opens new opportunities in green technology within oil industries.
- It's a shift away from traditional roles that might be challenging but necessary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Health Activist (Central Oklahoma)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's been a long battle seeing these abandoned wells fixed.
- I'm cautiously optimistic about seeing meaningful change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Fracking Worker (Rural North Dakota)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Keeping our water clean is crucial, and so is keeping employment.
- The balance this act strives for could be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1800000000)
Year 2: $1600000000 (Low: $1300000000, High: $1900000000)
Year 3: $1700000000 (Low: $1400000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 5: $1900000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2200000000)
Year 10: $2100000000 (Low: $1600000000, High: $2400000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Abandoned well projects require collaboration across multiple governmental and non-governmental entities, demanding well-coordinated management and oversight.
- Technological advancements and data analytics play a crucial role in effective well location and remediation efforts.
- Environmental benefits could vary greatly depending on the specific site characteristics and conditions for each well.
- Potential legal and regulatory hurdles may arise, especially regarding land ownership and liabilities associated with abandoned wells.