Abandoned oil wells in Permian Basin increase environmental risks

The number of abandoned oil wells in the West Texas Permian Basin is growing rapidly. This increase is causing serious environmental and public health problems. There are dangers like sinkholes, leaks, and blowouts, resulting from over a century of oil drilling in the region. A federal agency warned back in 1990 that if these wells were not properly sealed after use, the environment could suffer greatly. The responsibility for closing these wells often falls on cash-strapped companies that cannot afford to do the work. Now, many old wells are leaking, leading to major issues for nearby communities. One recent example is a massive sinkhole that opened on the Kelton Ranch. The well was plugged in 1977, but now the sinkhole measures 200 feet deep. This is one of many failures in the Permian Basin. In recent years, blowouts have caused significant damage and costs, impacting local ranches seriously. The Railroad Commission of Texas, which oversees oil and gas drilling, is struggling to manage the growing problem. They requested an additional $100 million to address the rising number of emergency situations. This funding request highlights the urgency of the issue. Across the country, there are over 2 million orphan wells that have not been sealed. Many of these wells leak harmful substances into the environment, affecting water sources and farmland. A new bill was introduced in Texas to address the plugging of over 150,000 inactive wells, aiming for completion in 15 years. However, it faces resistance due to concerns about costs for small operators.