NPR: America's aging oil wells

The U.S. has millions of old gas and oil wells. Here's what it takes to plug them up

Camila Domonoske — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

There was a circle in Maria Burns' yard where grass wouldn't grow and trees died. She knew what it was: An old natural gas well, plugged when she was a little girl, starting to leak again.

(Image credit: Maddie McGarvey for NPR)

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

Camila Domonoske — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

There could be about a million 'orphan' oil and gas wells across the U.S. As they age, they can leak greenhouse gases or unhealthy chemicals.

(Image credit: September Dawn Bottoms for NPR)

Why a tiny bit of oil can be a big deal

Camila Domonoske — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

More than three-quarters of U.S. wells make just 6% of the country's oil. They're called marginal wells because of their small output. But they're a big deal to oil producers and environmentalists.

(Image credit: September Dawn Bottoms for NPR)