Agency: Department of the Interior
Description:
To provide grants to Tribes to identify, plug, remediate, and reclaim orphaned wells located on Tribal land.
Bill Section:
40601
New or Existing:
New
Potential Cost:
$150,000,000
Timeline:
FY22-30
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
On November 23, 2022, DOI announced final guidance for Tribes on how to apply for the first $50 million in grant funding available under the IIJA: Source
On September 21, 2023, DOI awarded $39.3 million in Phase 1 Tribal Orphaned Wells Grants: Source
A map of DOI IIJA-funded projects, including the Orphaned Well Site Plugging, Remediation, And Restoration, is available Source
TCS Notes:
Orphaned wells on Federal land or Tribal land are defined as wells not used for an authorized purpose – such as production, injection, or monitoring – where the operator cannot be located or the operator is unable to plug, remediate, and reclaim the well site. Under this program, Tribes have 5 years to obligate grant funds.
In lieu of a grant, Tribes may also request the Secretary of the interior to carry out plugging, remediation, and reclamation activities on behalf of the Tribe.