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WV HB5415
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/10/2026
Primary Sponsor
Evan Hansen
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates the Orphan Oil and Gas Well Prevention Act of 2026 in West Virginia, requiring operators to establish financial security for plugging oil and gas wells before they become abandoned
- Requires new well permits filed after July 1, 2026 to include either a single-well bond or a plugging money escrow account with a federally-insured bank
- Mandates producing wells pay into the escrow fund 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 well problems resulted from their violations or imprudent operation, even after transferring the well to a new operator
- Requires drillers seeking new well permits to plug all orphaned and abandoned wells within the drainage area of their proposed well
Legislative Description
New and existing Orphan Well Prevention Act
Environment
Last Action
To House Energy and Public Works
2/10/2026
Committee Referrals
Energy and Public Works2/10/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available