Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Committee advances 'Well Repurposing Act' to allow reuse of orphaned wells for geothermal and storage
Loading...
Summary
HB 31 73 would allow orphaned oil and gas wells to be repurposed for geothermal energy and energy storage; sponsors said it’s a practical step to reuse infrastructure while questions centered on a 250‑degree geothermal threshold and surface owner protections.
The committee voted to advance HB 31 73, the Well Repurposing Act, which would allow certain orphaned oil and gas wells on the state list to be used for geothermal and energy storage projects. Sponsor Senator Yek described the bill as an outcome of an interim study and said it is intended to put some orphan wells back to beneficial use, though he cautioned it is not a silver bullet that will solve the entire orphan well problem.
Members asked technical questions about the bill’s definition of geothermal resources, specifically the 250‑degree temperature figure used for energy production. Senator Bourne and other members raised the possibility of including lower temperature thresholds for heat‑only uses — for example, district heating projects — and asked the sponsor to work with the house author to clarify definitions. Senator Yek said he would seek to provide answers and make necessary tweaks before floor consideration and noted other states have used similar approaches.
On the roll call the committee recorded 10 ayes and 0 nays and the chair declared the bill passed out of committee. Sponsors and members said the measure could help reduce the orphan well inventory if repurposing opportunities are realized.