Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior has announced the allocation of $36.9 million in the first phase of formula grant funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri to address legacy pollution.
Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri will receive funding to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells in their states. Kentucky is awarded $25 million, Mississippi $6.8 million, and Missouri $5.1 million for this purpose.
Secretary Deb Haaland highlighted the impact of this initiative, stating, "President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is creating jobs and revitalizing local economies while cleaning up harmful legacy pollution sites throughout the country."
Orphaned oil and gas wells are described as significant sources of pollution, contaminating various public areas. These wells pose health and safety risks by polluting surface and groundwater, releasing toxic air pollutants, and emitting methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
Secretary Haaland emphasized the importance of the funding, noting, "With this historic funding, the states of Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri will continue the progress made plugging wells over the last year."
The initiative to plug orphaned wells aligns with the broader efforts of the Biden-Harris administration to reduce methane emissions and combat climate change.
The funding is part of the Biden-Harris administration's commitment under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes a significant investment of $4.7 billion to address legacy pollution, specifically targeting orphaned wells.
Since the enactment of the law, significant progress has been made, with over 7,000 orphaned oil and gas wells being plugged nationwide, leading to a reduction of approximately 11,530 metric tons of potential methane emissions.
Today's announcement of $37 million in formula grant funding will enable Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri to continue their efforts in cleaning up legacy pollution sites and creating a healthier environment for their communities.
The initiative also supports the President’s Justice40 Initiative, aiming to direct a substantial portion of federal investments towards disadvantaged communities affected by pollution and underinvestment.
In addition to state grants, federal land managers and Tribal communities are also receiving funding to address orphaned wells on public lands and waters, further enhancing the nationwide clean-up efforts.
