Texas oil and gas companies face new deadlines to plug inactive wells after Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate bill 1150 into law June 20. Texas Tribune said it’s “the first legislation in years toward addressing the growing environmental problem for which the state’s taxpayers have become increasingly responsible.” SB 1150, written by Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, in the recent legislative session, requires oil and gas operators to plug wells have been inactive for at least 15 years. Railroad Commission of Texas will start enforcing the new law in September 2027.
Texas Tribune said regulators estimate that there are more than 150,000 inactive wells in Texas, including 8,900 with no established owner because the company is either bankrupt or no longer exists. Todd Staples, president of Texas Oil and Gas Association, applauded the bill. He told the Tribune, “Once a well has reached the end of its economic life and there is no useful purpose, the owner should be responsible for the plugging….”
The rule says inactive for AT LEAST 15 years? Should be at MOST 15 years. Why must the State wait 15 years before requiring plugging?