Nebraska eligible for $4 million grant to plug unused oil and gas wells

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska could get $4.1 million to plug old oil and gas wells.

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced Wednesday that 21 states are eligible for grants through the Orphaned Well Program.

The department is doling out $775 million nationwide to close unused wells.

The money came from the 2021 infrastructure law, signed by President Joe Biden.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is enabling us to confront long-standing environmental injustices by making a historic investment to plug orphaned wells throughout our country,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said. “These investments are good for our climate, for the health of our communities, and for American workers.”

The Interior Department said old oil and gas wells contaminate water, leak methane and release toxic air pollutants.

Nebraska has until Dec. 13 to apply for the grant.