Oklahoma City, OK – A proposal focused on turning thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells across Oklahoma into usable energy assets is moving to the State Senate after gaining strong support in the House.
House Bill 3173, called the Well Repurposing Act, is co-authored by State Representative Nick Archer of Elk City and Representative John Waldron of Tulsa. The measure passed the Oklahoma House last week with an 85 to 6 vote.
The bill carries added importance for western Oklahoma. Archer, who represents Elk City and nearby communities, has pointed to the need for solutions that address long-standing energy and environmental concerns while opening the door for new economic opportunities in the region.
Archer has said the measure is not a complete fix for the abandoned well issue, but even small progress would help reduce the burden on the state.
Oklahoma is estimated to have about 20,000 abandoned or orphaned wells. Testimony to lawmakers indicated that, at the current pace, it could take up to 200 years to clear the backlog.
The legislation would allow the Oklahoma Corporation Commission or the Department of Environmental Quality to approve the conversion of certain abandoned wells into sites for geothermal energy development or energy storage. Supporters say this could cut emissions, including methane, while putting unused infrastructure back to work.
Waldron said the goal is to create an option where wells can be repurposed for geothermal energy and other uses, allowing them to generate revenue while also reducing emissions.
Under the proposal, once a well is converted and actively used for geothermal or storage purposes, it would no longer be considered abandoned. If operations stop for 12 months or longer, the well must be plugged according to current state rules.
The bill also requires agreements with surface landowners and gives regulators the authority to set fees and financial assurance requirements for operators.
The measure now moves to the Senate, where Senator Darcy Jech will carry it forward.
If approved and signed into law, the Well Repurposing Act would take effect November 1, 2026.
Supporters in western Oklahoma see the bill as a practical step toward balancing energy innovation with environmental responsibility while keeping local communities involved in the state’s energy future.
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