The 2025 Orphan and Idle Wells Northern Appalachia Conference brings together stakeholders to address one of the region's most pressing environmental challenges: the legacy of abandoned oil and gas wells that dot our landscape from Pennsylvania to West Virginia.

The Challenge: The EPA reports that an estimated 2.3 million unplugged abandoned wells exist across the United States, with Appalachia bearing a disproportionate share of this burden. Many of these wells date back to the 1800s, representing the nation's first oil boom. In Pennsylvania alone, estimates suggest over 200,000 abandoned wells, with West Virginia and Ohio facing similar challenges. These historic wells, often hidden beneath decades of forest growth or situated on steep hillsides, pose unique identification and remediation challenges. They leak oil and toxic chemicals into groundwater, threatening the region's drinking water sources and pristine streams. Methane emissions from these wells contribute to climate change while posing explosion risks to nearby homes and structures.

Government Initiatives: Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Department of Interior continues its $4.7 billion commitment to facilitate the plugging and cleanup of orphan wells. For Appalachian communities still recovering from economic transitions, this initiative offers dual benefits: environmental restoration and job creation in areas with generations of drilling expertise.

Regional Impact: The legacy of abandoned wells uniquely affects Appalachian communities. Many wells sit on family farms or in state forests, complicating access and remediation efforts. Acid mine drainage from abandoned wells interacts with historic coal mining operations, creating complex environmental challenges. Local watershed groups report seepage into trout streams and other vital waterways that support the region's recreational economy.

What to Expect: The 2025 conference will focus on practical solutions to Appalachia's well plugging challenges. Sessions will address working in remote locations, managing wells that intersect with abandoned coal mines, protecting water resources, and maximizing economic benefits for local communities. Experts will share successful case studies from across the region, including innovative state programs and community-led initiatives.

Bring your questions, build your network, and learn from peers facing similar challenges across the Appalachian Basin.

Our Success Story: This conference has become the premier event for addressing orphan well challenges in North America. Last year's event brought together state regulators, well services companies, environmental groups, and community leaders from across the region. The 2025 conference will again span two days, featuring expanded sessions on well identification techniques in forested areas, best practices for plugging wells in complex geology, and strategies for protecting water resources. Special focus will be given to workforce development and training programs that can help local workers transition into well plugging careers.

Join Us: Together, we can address one of Appalachia's most pressing environmental challenges while creating sustainable economic opportunities for our communities. Secure your spot at the conference and be part of the solution. For more information please contact Brandy Cormier at brandy.cormier@energyconferencenetwork.com