Why Action on Orphan Wells is Critical for Everyone, Yes Even You.
by Brooke Swain
A Climate Threat We Can’t Ignore - But We Can Measure
Orphan wells—abandoned oil and gas wells with no responsible party required to plug them—are proven sources of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Peer-reviewed studies and public data agree that these wells still commonly contribute to climate change, even though they are out of use. But we don’t just need third-party science journals: our own engineers in the field are measuring orphan wells before, during, and after plugging to obtain baseline methane measurements and track the impact of each plugged well. This abandoned Infrastructure leaking methane, impacting all of us. But by taking action now, we can help turn this hidden problem into a climate solution.
Protecting Community Health, Especially the Most Vulnerable
Every orphan well has its own story and poses its own threats, safety or otherwise, but the impacts of orphan wells don’t always affect everyone equally. First line communities—often rural, economically disadvantaged, or living near these abandoned sites—face the greatest immediate health risks from abandoned infrastructure, methane exposure or potential water contamination. Communities with fewer resources to address or recover from environmental hazards, leave them especially vulnerable. Plugging orphan wells is not only a climate solution; it’s a public health necessity that can protect those who are most at risk.
A Shared Opportunity for Change
While no single entity is responsible for cleaning up orphan wells, this challenge gives us all an opportunity to come together. Research shows that plugging these wells can significantly reduce emissions, create jobs, and improve health outcomes. Addressing orphan wells allows us to tackle a critical issue while uplifting vulnerable populations, ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Orphan wells may seem like a distant issue, but they impact you, every one of us, and especially the most vulnerable among us. Now is the time for us to take collective action—protecting our communities and our planet.
For more information, reach out to us at info@rebellionenergy.com.
For your safety, please avoid orphan well sites unless you have proper training, including hazard recognition, safety equipment and emergency procedures.
