Orphan Oil and Gas Well Plugging Grant Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for entities working to plug and remediate orphaned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofit organizations, local governments, and contractors with expertise in well plugging. The program focuses on wells that pose health, safety, or environmental risks and have no responsible owner to cover remediation costs. Activities supported include assessment, cleanup, and plugging of abandoned wells across Pennsylvania.
This grant is for entities working to plug and remediate orphaned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofit organizations, local governments, and contractors with expertise in well plugging. The program focuses on wells that pose health, safety, or environmental risks and have no responsible owner to cover remediation costs. Activities supported include assessment, cleanup, and plugging of abandoned wells across Pennsylvania.
Program description
Act 136 of 2022 (Act of November 3, 2022 (P.L. 87, No. 136) (58 Pa.C.S. §§2811-2826)) establishes the Orphan Oil and Gas Well Plugging Grant (Orphan Well Grant) Program and allocates federal funds to the Department of Environmental Protection (Department) for providing grants to help cover costs for orphan well plugging projects. Pennsylvania has hundreds of thousands of oil and gas wells drilled since 1859. This program provides a mechanism to clean out and plug orphaned wells that have the potential to cause health, safety or environmental concerns.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for entities working to plug and remediate orphaned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofit organizations, local governments, and contractors with expertise in well plugging. The program focuses on wells that pose health, safety, or environmental risks and have no responsible owner to cover remediation costs. Activities supported include assessment, cleanup, and plugging of abandoned wells across Pennsylvania.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Grant application form
- Project narrative and work plan
- Detailed cost estimate and budget
- Site assessment or environmental report
- Letters of support from landowners or municipalities
- Proof of organization's nonprofit or government status
- Organization's financial statements
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, local governments, and qualified contractors working on orphan well remediation in Pennsylvania are typically eligible. Contact the PA Department of Environmental Protection for specific entity requirements.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 30, 2026. Check the Department's website for updates on future funding cycles.
What well types are supported?
The program funds plugging and cleanup of orphaned oil and gas wells that pose potential health, safety, or environmental concerns.
How much funding is available?
Individual grants can reach $350,000. Total program funding pool and average award size may vary by application cycle.
Are there any matching funds required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the PA Department of Environmental Protection early to confirm your well project meets program priorities and orphan well criteria.
- Document the health, safety, and environmental risks your project addresses with site assessments and photographs.
- Provide detailed cost estimates and plugging plans from qualified engineers or contractors.
- Demonstrate your organization's capacity to manage the project and comply with Pennsylvania environmental regulations.
- Coordinate with local municipalities and landowners to avoid conflicts and strengthen your application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague risk assessment. Applications fail when they don't clearly document the health and safety hazards posed by the specific wells being plugged. Poor cost justification. Inflated budgets without detailed engineering estimates and line-item breakdowns lose credibility. Weak organizational capacity. Applicants underestimate the regulatory complexity and don't demonstrate prior environmental remediation experience.
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