On July 12, 2023, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) expressed his approval of the allocation of $25 million to New Mexico for the implementation of the REGROW Act. This legislation, which he advocated for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to address the cleanup and remediation of abandoned gas and oil wells in the state, according to a July 12 press release.
"This effort to plug abandoned wells and slash methane emissions is an issue I’ve championed – because the health of our communities and environment are at risk," Sen. Luján said in the release.
This $25 million in funding is part of the Biden administration's Phase 1 initiative, amounting to $660 million, aimed at cleaning up legacy pollution nationwide, according to the release. The allocation will not only address abandoned gas and oil wells but also lead to the creation of quality job opportunities, drive economic growth, curb harmful methane leaks and alleviate environmental and public health risks related to surface water and groundwater resources, according to the press release.
According to a press release, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján said, “That’s why I’m proud to welcome this critical investment of $25 million that builds on my work to clean up, plug and identify orphaned wells to protect the public and our environment by reducing methane emissions. This welcome investment from the Biden administration will support our bipartisan movement in Congress to safeguard our communities and create more jobs while boosting economic growth in New Mexico.”
Senator Luján reintroduced the bipartisan Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (AWRRDA) earlier this year, aiming to enhance the identification and remediation of abandoned gas and oil wells on Federal, state and Tribal lands. This legislation, which complements his REGROW Act, seeks to reemploy skilled energy workers by actively addressing the plugging of abandoned wells, according to the release.