Plug Offshore Wells Act

The Plug Offshore Wells Act aims to address the environmental and safety risks posed by inactive oil and gas wells located in federal offshore waters. If enacted, the legislation would likely establish stricter timelines and oversight for energy companies to properly seal and decommission wells that are no longer in production. By ensuring these wells are plugged correctly, the bill seeks to prevent oil leaks, methane emissions, and other forms of marine pollution that can damage coastal ecosystems and local economies.

For everyday citizens, particularly those living in coastal communities, this bill proposes to reduce the long-term risk of offshore spills and the associated costs of environmental cleanup. It would place more responsibility on energy producers to manage their infrastructure throughout its entire lifecycle, potentially protecting taxpayers from the financial burden of addressing abandoned or 'orphaned' wells. The bill currently awaits review by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.