The Department of the Interior (DOI) awarded a $29,233,057 formula grant under the Energy Community Revitalization Program (CFDA 15.018) to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). This grant funding is provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to support the plugging, remediation, and reclamation of orphaned oil and gas wells on state and private lands within West Virginia. Key activities funded under this 5-year grant include:
Plugging up to 230 orphaned wells to reduce methane emissions and enhance public health, safety, and environmental protection
Remediating soil, restoring habitat, and decommissioning infrastructure associated with orphaned wells
Identifying and characterizing additional undocumented orphaned wells across the state
Prioritizing well plugging based on factors like public health, environmental harm, and community impact
Monitoring methane emissions and groundwater/surface water contamination
This grant aligns with the Energy Community Revitalization Program's objectives to address legacy pollution, create jobs, and support environmental justice in communities affected by orphaned oil and gas infrastructure.