North Dakota officials considering using Federal Infrastructure Funding to cap idled oil wells

Photo by: United States Geological Survey
Photo by: United States Geological Survey

(Bismarck, ND) -- North Dakota's chief oil regulator is spearheading an effort to use federal infrastructure bill funds to extend the state's abandoned well plugging program.

Authorities say the funding will continue over the next decade.

The money reportedly could cover the costs associated with cleaning up hundreds of wells and reclaiming sites that, in some cases, have been left neglected for several years due to profitability issues.