October 18, 2023 - Burgettstown, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) highlighted the Shapiro Administration's historic work to cap and plug orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells across Pennsylvania. As of today, the Shapiro Administration has capped and plugged 100 wells under the Governor's leadership - more wells than in the prior 6 years combined. The 100th well was plugged at Hillman State Park under an emergency contract with Yost Drilling after DEP followed up on reports from local residents concerned about the risks abandoned wells pose to public health and safety. "My Administration is making real progress towards tackling a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions here in Pennsylvania, and creating thousands of good-paying, union jobs in the process," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "We must reject the false choice between protecting jobs and protecting our planet. I believe we can do both - we can embrace the Commonwealth's role as an energy leader, create good-paying jobs, and fulfill our constitutional obligation to protect Pennsylvania's clean air and pure water. Let's plug the wells, improve our air quality, and strengthen our communities."List of Speakers:Secretary Rich NegrinGovernor Josh ShapiroAmanda LelandDavitt WoodwellScott Kiger
An Official Pennsylvania Government Website