CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming lawmakers are considering a $7.5 million proposal for oil and gas reclamation efforts to spark economic development following the collapse of oil markets related to the coronavirus.
The Legislature’s Joint Interim Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee proposed the funding for the state Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in fiscal year 2021, The Casper Star-Tribune reported Tuesday.
The funds would support orphan well cleanup and create oil and gas jobs during the economic downturn resulting from the pandemic.
The bill proposal by Republican Rep. Mike Greear would accelerate the process of reclaiming sites and plugging of orphan wells, which are wells with no responsible owners.
Orphan wells can have environmental and public health consequences if left unplugged, with deterioration allowing oil, gas or fluids to leach into water supplies.
The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission reported Wyoming needs to clean up 2,793 orphaned wells.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
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