Youngstown, OH – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today announced that Ohio will receive $256,028,000 in new federal funding under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to clean up hazardous, abandoned oil and gas sites known as “orphaned wells.” This new funding will improve Ohio’s environment, create good-paying union jobs, and revitalize local economies.
“For too long, abandoned oil and gas wells have posed serious threats to the health and well-being of Ohioans, particularly those in our most underserved communities,” said Congressman Ryan. “These urgently-needed funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help get rid of dangerous pollution, ensure our kids have clean air and drinking water, and simultaneously create good-paying jobs. This investment is a major win for our environment, our economy and our families.”
Nearly 81,000 abandoned drilling sites across the country are emitting dangerous methane gas and leaking toxic pollution into nearby communities — including 891 in Ohio alone. Approximately 9 million Americans live within a mile of these hazardous sites, exposing families to critical environmental and public health threats.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law secured $4.7 billion in new federal funding to help communities plug orphaned wells and reclaim lands impacted by oil and gas development. The first phase of that funding, announced this week, totals $1.15 billion across 26 states.
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