WV HB3415

Creates the Orphan Oil and Gas Well Prevention Act of 2025 requiring operators to either post individual well bonds or establish plugging money escrow accounts before receiving permits for new wells drilled after July 1, 2025

Requires producing wells to contribute to escrow accounts at rates of 15 cents per MCF of gas, $1 per barrel of oil, and 1 cent per gallon of natural gas liquids sold

Holds previous operators liable for plugging costs if wells develop leaks or contamination problems caused by their violations or imprudent operations during their tenure as operator

Mandates drillers of new wells agree to plug all orphaned and abandoned wells within the drainage area of their proposed well as a condition of permit approval

Allows surface landowners to consent to temporary deferral of plugging requirements, provided the Office of Oil and Gas chief determines no significant risk exists and no affected mineral or property owners object