Pennsylvania Funds Study on Abandoned Gas Wells

Researchers will examine potential health risks near thousands of dormant sites across the state.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Environmental

Pennsylvania Funds Study on Abandoned Gas Wells

Live Poll

Should your state prioritize funding to clean up abandoned industrial wells in local communities?

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has awarded a $2.4 million grant to Penn State University researchers. The team will study the environmental and health impacts of more than 27,000 abandoned natural gas wells.

Why it matters

The research aims to identify which wells pose the highest risks to communities. These findings will help the state prioritize its plugging efforts to improve public safety and environmental health.

Researchers will collect air, groundwater, and soil samples to measure hazardous chemicals at sites containing over 27,000 orphaned wells. The team plans to refine existing pre-plugging assessment tools to better categorize environmental risk.

The players

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

This state agency is responsible for overseeing the quality of the environment and regulating natural resources across Pennsylvania.

Penn State University

A public research university in Pennsylvania leading the multi-disciplinary study on abandoned gas wells.

U.S. Department of the Interior Orphaned Wells Program Office

This federal office oversees programs dedicated to the identification and plugging of abandoned oil and gas infrastructure nationwide.

Jennifer Baka

A Penn State researcher who will lead public outreach and community meetings regarding the study.

The details

Penn State scientists will analyze the presence of hazardous materials around inactive gas infrastructure to understand their long-term impact on local environments. The team will also create a public data portal to share their findings with affected residents.

October 27, 2026: The $2.4 million research grant is announced.

The Big Picture

This research follows a pattern set by the U.S. Department of the Interior Orphaned Wells Program Office to address legacy industrial hazards. The initiative marks a paradigm shift toward data-driven prioritization of well-plugging efforts based on local environmental impact.

The study's results will directly influence which wells are prioritized for plugging in local communities, potentially reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals. Residents will also gain access to a new data portal detailing environmental impacts near their homes.

The takeaway

The state's move to analyze these wells highlights the importance of proactive environmental monitoring for legacy industrial sites. Residents near dormant wells should look for updates via the upcoming data portal to stay informed about potential site hazards.