Across the Southwest, the challenge of plugging orphan and idle wells has reached a critical juncture. Billions in federal funding have been deployed, new market-based mechanisms are emerging, and pressure is growing for scalable, lasting solutions. This opening session will take stock of where things stand today—from public dollars to reactivation pathways and carbon credits—and why the question of how we pay for plugging is more urgent than ever. Designed to frame the day’s conversations, this session offers a clear-eyed view of the current funding landscape and the trade-offs that come with each option.