Where: Kanawha State Forest Shooting Range, Charleston, WV

When: Monday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.

What: In order to fully address and take advantage of the federal plugging funds granted to West Virginia, the Legislature must pass legislation to prevent more wells from becoming orphaned in the first place. Addressing the issue of preventing and plugging orphaned wells is a top priority for the West Virginia Environmental Council, the West Virginia Sierra Club, and other environmental and citizen groups across the state. Wells left behind by the oil and gas industry drive down property values because they oftentimes leak dangerous emissions, like methane, pollute groundwater, and pose a threat to public health.

To see these well sites first hand, plug “Kanawha State Forest shooting range” into your GPS for the 20 minute drive from the Capitol. From the range, we will take a short walk to two well sites. We will then drive 5 minutes to Polly Hollow, where we will visit an operating well site, a plugged well site, and an old orphaned well site that is leaking gas. Due to limited parking at the shooting range, please consider carpooling from the Capitol.

In 2023, The Orphan Well Prevention Act was introduced by both Delegate Hansen (HB2852) and Senator Smith (SB109). This legislation will be reintroduced in 2024, requiring drilling companies to put enough money away up front, to cover the cost of plugging their wells should they orphan them, and prevent taxpayers from footing the bill. By visiting these well sites, especially the leaking well site, we will see first hand the need to address the well crisis in West Virginia.

Please join us! Light refreshments will be provided. We advise that you wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes.

For more information contact luciavalentine10@gmail.com
Presented by: West Virginia Rivers Coalition, West Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, the West Virginia Environmental Council, West Virginia Surface Owners’ Rights Organization