Luján Legislation To Plug Orphaned Wells Included In Biden Strategy To Slash Methane Emissions

Press Release

Today, the United States and the European Union (EU) formally announced a new international pact to sharply reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, over the next decade. Senator Luján's proposed legislation to plug abandoned wells forms a major pillar of the Biden administration's strategy to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector to help meet this pledge.

Earlier this year, Senator Luján and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced the Revive Economic Growth and Reclaim Orphaned Wells (REGROW) Act to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells, which can leak methane, contaminate groundwater, and create community safety risks. This provision was passed by the Senate as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the bipartisan infrastructure package, which is now poised to pass the House and be signed into law.

"In New Mexico and across the country, methane emissions are far too present in our communities -- jeopardizing the air we breathe, endangering our environment, and putting unnecessary strain on our economy," said Lujan. "I'm glad President Biden is taking action to redouble efforts of the United States government to dramatically curb U.S. methane emissions. I'm also pleased this announcement includes my REGROW Act to plug the hundreds of thousands of orphaned gas wells that leak harmful emissions across the country. This bold action to combat the climate crisis is precisely what our country needs at this moment. It will create jobs and bolster our economy while safeguarding our environment."

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