This $5,500,000 Project Grant award from the Department of the Interior's Energy Community Revitalization Program (CFDA 15.018) will fund the New Mexico Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department to plug, remediate, and reclaim orphaned oil and gas wells on state and private lands. Key activities include:
Plugging orphaned wells to reduce methane emissions and protect public health and safety
Remediating soil and restoring degraded habitat around orphaned well sites
Decommissioning and removing associated pipelines, facilities, and infrastructure
Identifying and characterizing undocumented orphaned wells
Prioritizing remediation work in disproportionately impacted communities
This grant, awarded on February 1, 2025, will be implemented over a 5-year period, with an expected completion date of January 31, 2030. The project aims to enhance environmental protection, strengthen community resilience, and create economic opportunities in areas affected by legacy oil and gas operations.