Skip to main content

"Orphan" Wells Taking Financial, Environmental Toll on State

Thousands of oil wells sit abandoned in Texas, and with oil and gas on the rise again, another generation of defunct wells may appear if the boom subsides. Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas on the risks and costs associated with so-called orphan wells.

By Dave Fehling, Houston Public Media
Republish
Lead image for this article
Credit: Bill Ledbetter

Thousands of oil wells sit abandoned in Texas, and with oil and gas on the rise again, another generation of defunct wells may appear if the boom subsides. Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas on the risks and costs associated with so-called orphan wells. Read the full story at StateImpact Texas.

Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Yes, I'll donate today

Information about the authors

Dave Fehling

HOUSTON PUBLIC MEDIA

Learn more about our publishing partners

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics

Energy Environment