State marginal well‑plugging program seeks to seal hundreds of low‑production wells; first plugs already completed

Sabrina described the agency’s marginal well‑plugging program, which combines state enterprise funds (sourced from industry fees) and federal MERP funds to finance plugging and restoration of low‑production wells that otherwise risk becoming orphaned.

She said operators apply during a limited enrollment window and that only wells meeting productivity and eligibility criteria receive funding after staff conduct a verification review. "Solo aquellos que cumplen con todos los criterios exigidos reciben financiación," Sabrina said, and reimbursements are paid after agency confirmation that a well has been properly plugged.

Staff reported the program’s initial results: two wells were plugged in November 2025, phase one targeted 107 wells, and a second round of applications is underway with funding expected to cover roughly 90 additional wells. Sabrina emphasized these funds come from industry fees for the state program and that federal MERP funds carry strict reporting and measurement requirements for methane emissions before and after plugging.

The agency said it will maintain a public dashboard with grant details, plugged well counts and locations, and estimates of methane emissions mitigated through plugging.