Senate committee hears bill to require plugging or reactivation of long‑inactive oil and gas wells

Senators on the Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development heard testimony and questions on Senate Bill 1150, filed by Senator Middleton, which would require owners of certain inactive oil and gas wells under Railroad Commission jurisdiction either to plug them or restore them to production after specified age and inactivity thresholds and to file compliance plans with the Railroad Commission.

The measure would require wells that have been inactive for 15 years and wells 25 years past their completion date to be plugged or returned to production unless an operator obtains Railroad Commission approval of a compliance plan. The bill phases in compliance and reporting requirements, with a compliance-plan end date of Sept. 1, 2040, and would add an annual Railroad Commission report to the Legislature on the state’s inactive‑well portfolio, the author said.

Senator Middleton said the bill aims to reduce the state’s orphaned‑well population and the long‑term cost to taxpayers. “Wells can be inactive forever with the current law and rules, and that's why I believe this bill is needed here today,” he told the committee. He said the committee substitute adds a per‑well bonding option and an exception process for proven financial…