Bill > HR1217

This bill modifies the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide greater flexibility for states in addressing orphaned oil and gas wells, focusing on two key aspects. First, the bill amends grant eligibility requirements related to methane emissions, explicitly stating that states are not required to measure methane emissions or conduct specific monitoring activities as a condition of receiving grants for plugging and remediating orphaned wells. States may now use funding to collect pre-plugging or post-plugging monitoring data, but are not mandated to do so. Second, the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to commission a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to assess the broader community impacts of orphaned well remediation. This comprehensive study will examine economic development, housing trends, and potential benefits like water quality improvements in areas with significant well reclamation. The study must include input from at least one state in each U.S. region and involve consultations with agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. The National Academies will be required to submit a report to Congress within 18 months of the last grant award, with the study to be conducted using existing funds.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1217/all-info