Orphaned Wells
The Department of the Interior’s orphaned wells program is an important component of President Trump’s efforts to unleash American energy and address our National Energy Emergency. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriated funding to the Department to establish Federal, State and Tribal programs that address orphaned oil and gas wells. The relevant Section of this Act was codified at 42 U.S.C. § 15907 - Orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoration.
Orphaned oil and gas wells are located throughout the United States, including in urban, farming and ranching communities. They are found in active oil and gas fields. These wells can negatively impact current and future oil and gas development activities and pose significant risk to national energy security and public safety.
The Orphaned Wells Program Office (OWPO) ensures the effective, accountable, and efficient implementation of the Department’s orphaned wells programs. OWPO issues guidance, reviews grant applications and awards or transfers funds to States, Tribes and partner Federal agencies to address orphaned wells.
Updated Resources
- *NEW* Orphaned Wells Program Office Phase 3 Formula Grant Guidance (May 2026)
- *NEW* Orphaned Wells Program Office Updated State Grant - Frequently Asked Questions (May 2026)
- Orphaned Wells Program Office State Data Reporting Template (May 2026)
- Orphaned Wells Program Office Strategic Plan FY 2026-FY 2030 (April 2026)
- Orphaned Wells Program Office Congressional Report for Fiscal Year 2025
- Revised Phase 1 & 2 Tribal Guidance (March 2026)
- Revised State Matching Grant Guidance (July 2025)
- Build America, Buy America Act - Frequently Asked Questions (October 2025)