LINCOLN, Nebraska (KLKN) — Nebraska could receive $4.1 million to plug old oil and gas wells.
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced Wednesday that 21 states are eligible for grants under the Orphaned Well Program.
The ministry is providing $775 million nationwide to close unused wells.
The money came from the 2021 infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda enables us to address longstanding environmental injustices by making a historic investment to plug orphan wells across our country,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “These investments are good for our climate, for the health of our communities, and for American workers.”
The Interior Ministry said old oil and gas wells were contaminating water, leaking methane and releasing toxic air pollutants.
Nebraska has until December 13 to apply for the scholarship.
