The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), enacted in August 2022, plays a pivotal role in addressing the environmental challenges posed by leaking natural gas wells in
West Virginia through its Methane Emission Reduction Program (MERP). This legislation provides significant federal funding aimed at reducing methane emissions,
through the permanent plugging of certain marginal conventional wells (MCWs).
West Virginia, with its extensive history of oil and gas extraction, has a large number of idle or low-producing wells that pose environmental and safety risks.
The IRA allocates substantial resources to states like West Virginia to accelerate the plugging and reclamation of these wells. The funding is crucial for the OOG,
enabling us to expand our well-plugging initiatives and engage specialized contractors.
By providing financial support and incentives, the IRA helps West Virginia significantly reduce methane emissions, safeguard groundwater quality, and restore
land affected by marginal conventional wells.
You can learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act from the US. EPA.