US HB1217

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to clarify that states are not required to measure methane emissions or conduct related monitoring activities as a condition of eligibility for orphan well plugging grants

Allows states to use estimates derived from pre-plugging or post-plugging monitoring data when reporting on orphan well remediation, but does not mandate such data collection

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine within 180 days to study the community impacts of the orphaned well grant program

National Academies study must examine effects on economic development, housing trends, and water quality improvements in areas with high levels of well plugging activity, with input from at least one state per U.S. region (Northeast, Southwest, West, Southeast, Midwest)

Study report due to Congress within 18 months after the last grant is awarded under the program, funded through existing Department of Interior appropriations