Orphan Well Prevention Act of 2023

This bill seeks to prevent orphan gas and oil wells by requiring a fee paid into an escrow set-aside fund for each well as a condition of receiving a drilling permit. The fee would be based on consideration by the Office of Oil & Gas of several factors, including the actual cost of plugging, the well production schedule and market conditions.

ISSUES: Climate, Land & Wildlife, Pure Water

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/20/23, referred to Energy & Manufacturing then Judiciary