West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5415: New and existing Orphan Well Prevention Act
Status: Introduced, February 10, 2026
What the bill says
To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §22-10A-1, §22-10A-2, §22-10A-3, §22-10A-4, §22-10A-5, §22-10A-6, §22-10A-7, §22-10A-8, and §22-10A-9, relating to the creation of the Orphan Oil and Gas Well Prevention Act of 2026; preventing oil and gas wells from being orphaned on surface owner's land with no responsible driller or operator with the resources to plug the well; the procedures for prevention of orphaned wells; and requiring plugging money be set aside as escrow in the Office of the State Treasurer. ARTICLE 10A. Orphan Well Preven.
From the introduced text, February 10, 2026:
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §22-10A-1, §22-10A-2, §22-10A-3, §22-10A-4, §22-10A-5, §22-10A-6, §22-10A-7, §22-10A-8, and §22-10A-9, relating to the creation of the Orphan Oil and Gas Well Prevention Act of 2026; preventing oil and gas wells from being orphaned on surface owner's land with no responsible driller or operator with the resources to plug the well; the procedures for prevention of orphaned wells; and requiring plugging money be set aside as escrow in the Office of the State Treasurer. ARTICLE 10A. Orphan Well Prevention Act of 2026. §22-10A-1. Short title. This article shall be known as the Orphan Oil and Gas Well Prevention Act of 2026. §22-10A-2. Legislative findings and declarations. (a) The Legislature declares it to be the public policy of this state and in the public interest that an oil or gas well that does not have any present or future economic use shall be plugged in order (2) Prevent it from leaking oil and other liquids out onto the surface; (3) Prevent it from leaking septic, animal waste or other surface or near surface pollution down into groundwater; (4) Preserve the ability to safely and economically produce from coal seams and other oil and gas bearing seams through which the well bore passed; (5) Stop …
Sponsors
- (D, 079) · primary sponsor