"New Fines Aim To Stem The Tide Of 'Orphan' Oil And Gas Wells In Louisiana"

"Companies have saddled Louisiana taxpayers with more than 4,000 old wells"

"Louisiana has increased fines for inactive oil and gas wells in an effort to reduce the number of polluting and dangerous wells that are eventually abandoned and made the responsibility of the state.

Late this month, the state Department of Natural Resources finalized new rules that would charge well owners $125 to $500 per year for wells that have been inactive for five to 10 years, and up to $750 per year for wells that haven’t been used for more than a decade. The size of the fine depends on a well’s depth. Deeper wells are more costly for the state to plug and maintain."

Tristan Baurick reports for the New Orleans Times-Picayune October 30, 2023.