Senator Bennet Proposes Amendment to Shield Taxpayers from Orphaned Well Cleanup Costs
Washington, D.C., April 3, 2025 — In a proposal submitted during the Senate’s consideration of the 2025 fiscal year budget resolution, Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced an amendment aimed at protecting taxpayers from the costs associated with the cleanup of orphaned oil and gas wells on public lands.
Senator Bennet’s amendment, titled “Deficit-Neutral Reserve Fund Relating to Ensuring Taxpayers Do Not Pay the Cost of Cleanup of Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells on Public Land,” was designed to ensure that any legislative actions related to oil and gas production would not result in additional financial burdens for taxpayers. Specifically, the amendment seeks to prevent any measures that would increase the costs associated with the cleanup of abandoned oil and gas wells on public lands, directing that such actions be addressed in a way that would not contribute to the federal deficit between the fiscal years 2025 and 2034.
The amendment, which was presented as part of the broader budget discussion, outlines a mechanism through which the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the Senate may adjust budget allocations and other related financial measures to account for the potential costs of oil and gas production, particularly the environmental cleanup of orphaned wells. It emphasizes that any related legislation should not lead to an increase in the federal deficit, underscoring the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing the environmental challenges posed by abandoned oil and gas infrastructure.
The issue of orphaned oil and gas wells is a significant concern for public lands, as these wells can pose environmental risks and require costly remediation efforts. The proposal introduced by Senator Bennet highlights the ongoing challenge of managing the legacy of oil and gas extraction on federal lands, ensuring that taxpayers are not left to bear the financial responsibility for the cleanup of these sites.
In his amendment, Bennet joins a growing conversation on Capitol Hill about the balance between energy production, environmental responsibility, and fiscal discipline, signaling an effort to address the long-term environmental impacts of oil and gas operations while safeguarding public finances.
This proposal marks a continuing effort to manage the economic and environmental challenges associated with the energy sector, particularly the legacy of oil and gas activities on public lands. It will be important to monitor further developments as the budget resolution progresses and as lawmakers continue to address these critical issues in the context of the nation’s energy policy.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements and proceedings from the U.S. Congressional Record, a public government source. The content reflects remarks made by members of Congress and has been edited solely for clarity and length. EnergyRoundup.com presents these records for informational purposes and does not endorse any political viewpoint.
