Defunct oil wells are a national problem. Finding them is the first step

Scattered across backyards, forests, and farmlands are the quiet remnants of America’s oil past—forgotten wells that leak gas and toxins into the air and water. They’re called orphan wells, and while over 100,000 have been found, experts say the real number could be closer to a million. Finding and plugging them has become a national priority, driven by climate concerns and public health risks. But as this story shows, the deeper challenge isn’t just locating the problem—it’s deciding who’s responsible for fixing it. Camila Domonoske with NPR dives deep in this story that’s searching for answers on a problem gurgling just out of sight.