Under the draft guidance, states are eligible to receive a Plugging Standards regulatory improvement grant of up to $20 million, and a Program Improvement regulatory improvement grant of up to $20 million, for a total of $40 million per state. By incentivizing states to improve their standards, procedures and orphaned well programs, these grants will help better protect the environment and help prevent the creation of new orphaned wells.
The Department’s orphaned wells program advances the Biden-Harris administration’s ambitious environmental justice goals through the Justice40 Initiative, which sets a goal to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that have been marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. As of June 30, 2024, 44% of the over 8,800 wells plugged with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds by states are in disadvantaged communities.
Comments on the draft grant guidance can be submitted, via email, to orphanedwells@ios.doi.gov, by 11:59 PM PT on November 12, 2024. Comments will be instrumental in refining the program’s direction.
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