CSAC is seeking information regarding the role counties play in
orphaned wells, in relation to
AB 3019 Idle wells: Hazardous and Idle-Deserted Well Abatement
Fund: legacy oil and gas wells: skilled and trained
workforce. An orphan well is an oil or gas well that is idle
and deserted and has an operator that is not locatable, has gone
bankrupt, or is otherwise no longer responsible. AB 3019 would
allow a percentage of funds from the Hazardous and Idle-Deserted
Well Abatement Fund to be used by counties that have at least 100
legacy oil and gas wells and can plug the wells quicker than the
California Department of Conservation.
In order to evaluate the legislative proposal appropriately, CSAC
would like to know:
How many orphaned wells are located in your county?
Does your county currently do plugging & abandonment work?
Does your county have other concerns regarding idle and
orphaned wells that we should be aware of?
