Methane Reduction Infrastructure

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

TBA

Purpose

To fund programs to plug, remediate, and reclaim orphaned wells on Federal, State, and Tribal lands.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

In general, States and Tribal governments may use funds (i) to plug, remediate, or reclaim orphaned wells; (ii) remediate soil and restore native species habitat degraded by orphaned wells or well facilities/infrastructure; (iii) remediate land adjacent to orphaned wells and decommission or remove well facilities/infrastructure; (iv) provide an online public accounting of the cost of plugging, remediation, and reclamation; or (v) identify undocumented orphaned wells. States may use funds to (vi) track methane, other gas, and contaminated water associated with orphaned wells; and (vii) address disproportionate burdens on disadvantaged communities.

Decarbonization Considerations

Methane is a significantly more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. Unplugged gas wells leak methane into the air until they are remediated. Addressing these orphan wells can reduce greenhouse gasses substantially.

Equity Considerations

Many orphaned wells are in disadvantaged communities, exposing residents to pollution and other health hazards. Plugging wells would have disproportionate health benefits for these communities, which might also benefit economically if local residents are hired to do the work. This program specifically allows states to use funds to address the disproportionate health and environmental burdens on communities of color, low-income communities, and Tribal and indigenous communities.

Helpful Tips

Various grant types exist within this program. Applicants are encouraged to study guidelines closely.

Other Notes

$4,425,000,000 in funding available until expended.