With over 21,000 abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells scattered across West Virginia, state officials are taking decisive action to protect public safety and the environment.
On Thursday, Gov. Patrick Morrisey ceremonially signed a new law—House Bill 3336—that modernizes the process for plugging these unused wells, making it faster, safer, and more cost-effective.
Gathered at Wheeling’s Heritage Port with local and state officials, Morrisey emphasized the importance of addressing these abandoned sites, which often pose threats to nearby communities, drinking water sources, and the environment.
The law, which officially takes effect on July 10, allows well operators to pierce a well’s casing and fill it with cement without first having to remove the central casing—a significant change from the older, more restrictive regulations.
Previously, state law required operators to extract much of the infrastructure before sealing a well. This often involved removing compromised or unsafe casings, a process that delayed work and increased both costs and safety risks. Under the new law, operators can seal the well more directly, streamlining the process.
“As the people of Wheeling and the surrounding areas know very well, abandoned and orphaned wells can pose a significant threat and safety risk,” Morrisey said. “Plugging these wells safely and effectively is critical to protecting our communities and our water resources.”
Morrisey cited a troubling example near Warwood Marina, where an abandoned well became pressurized and forced the marina to close a portion of its parking lot.
It took months and $185,000 for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) to seal it. Two more wells in Tyler County cost $195,000 to plug. These figures highlight the financial burden involved in tackling such sites—and why the new law is necessary.
WVDEP Secretary Harold Ward praised the change, noting that it would allow the department and private contractors to cap more wells efficiently while reducing costs. “That’s $400,000 for just three wells,” Ward said. “This new approach allows us to get more done with fewer resources.”
Delegate Mark Zatezalo, R-Hancock, was the lead sponsor of the bill. As a hydrogeologist, Zatezalo was immediately drawn to the legislation after understanding its environmental and technical benefits.
“If you drill 200 feet below the Ohio River, you hit saltwater—and it stays saltwater for another 5,800 feet,” he explained. “You must protect everything above that, especially the freshwater zones.”
Zatezalo said the bill addresses not just older, abandoned wells but also sets a standard for active wells going forward. “It gives us accounting for casings, including double casings through freshwater layers,” he noted. “That’s going to be critical as we start to retire more wells.”
Gov. Morrisey highlighted the dual benefit of the law: environmental protection and streamlined regulation. “We’re cutting red tape and moving the state forward,” he said. “This law makes the plugging process safer, more efficient, and more affordable—a win for the environment and taxpayers alike.”
West Virginia, rich in natural resources, faces the ongoing challenge of managing the legacy of its energy production. With this law, officials are aiming to turn that challenge into an opportunity for safer practices and smarter policy.
“This is a pretty darn good combination,” Morrisey concluded. “More wells plugged, less cost, and a safer environment for everyone in West Virginia.”
