STATEMENT: Offshore Oil and Gas Must Pay for Their Messes

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), the Plug Offshore Wells Act (POW Act). The bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to report on the status of the cleanup of offshore oil and gas wells, platforms, and pipelines when they have reached the end of their useful life, a process known as decommissioning. Ocean Conservancy experts worked closely with Congressional offices to inform this bill. Andrew Hartsig, Ocean Conservancy’s Arctic program senior director and a seasoned environmental lawyer and expert in oil and gas policy, released the following statement:

“For years, oil and gas companies have left unused rigs and pipelines to rot in the Gulf, leaching toxins into our backyard. It is past time for wealthy oil and gas companies to take responsibility and clean up rather than exploiting loopholes and leaving tax payers with a COSTLY mess. 

“We applaud Senator Welch for introducing the Plug Offshore Wells Act. This is a critical step in enforcing regulations that require wealthy corporations to clean up their improperly plugged wells and protect our ocean and coastal communities.”

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ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky or Instagram.