Methane Clips: October 25, 2024
States work to track down and cap dangerous methane leaks from abandoned oil and gas wells – “Two major laws passed by Congress and signed by President Biden provide new money and new requirements for reducing potent methane emissions, including those coming from abandoned oil and gas wells. The federal government has started awarding some contracts for capping those wells, but the election could impact whether this work will continue. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports.” [PBS, 10/24/24]
Shapiro Administration plugs orphan well that contaminated family’s water. “The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to address the problem of orphan oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania, plugging a well in Clarion County that contaminated a local family’s drinking water. ‘Orphaned and Abandoned wells present serious risks to the environment and public health by polluting groundwater and leaking methane into the atmosphere. This well site is an example of those impacts – where residents can’t drink their water because of this orphaned well,’ said Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. ‘Thanks to the efforts of Shapiro Administration, we finally have the resources to address wells like these that are affecting peoples’ lives.’” [Pennsylvania Pressroom, 10/24/24]
No major federal agencies updates over the last 24 hours
No major legislative or rulemaking updates over the last 24 hours