Levy charged to Alberta oil companies too low to cover orphan well costs

Alberta’s growing backlog of orphaned oil and gas wells is becoming a billion-dollar problem — and critics say the province’s response is still falling short. A new report warns that the current industry levy isn’t enough to cover cleanup costs, let alone repay mounting debts or prevent future delays. With over 3,700 wells awaiting reclamation, landowners like Dwight Popowich are tired of waiting. The call is clear: unless the levy rises and the process becomes more transparent, the gap between promises and progress will only widen. Jack Farrell with The Canadian Press has the full story that should ignite a question about how North Dakota’s orphaned oil well clean-up is funded (and if it’s enough to do the job).

Jack Farrell

The Canadian Press

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