Orphan wells, or unused and unplugged oil and gas wells, can leak oil, natural gas, and other toxins into the environment, contributing to climate change. These wells should have been sealed after their productive life ended, but many remain unsealed. Estimates suggest there could be over a million undocumented orphan wells in the United States. A multibillion dollar initiative is underway to locate and plug these wells. Addressing the problem begins with identifying the locations of these hidden, environmental hazards.
There are many unused, unplugged oil and gas wells, known as orphan wells, that leak oil, natural gas, and toxins, thus contributing to environmental pollution and climate change.
An estimated one million or more undocumented wells may exist across the United States, significantly impacting methane emissions and posing risks to the environment and public health.
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