Sarah Stogner feels her past has lead her to be exactly where she is today. Basic overview is Sarah is an attorney with an oil and gas background who happens to be living on a ranch with regular blow outs in the Permian Basin.
On one hand her passion for the industry has created a level of patience few outside the industry understand while her heart for humanity is creating actions few in the industry understand.
There in lies one of the many challenges facing the past and future Railroad Commission of Texas Candidate Sarah Stogner.
In this interview, Stogner explains how she coined the term Zombie Wellz, which are wells that “come back to life”.
Zombie Wellz are not an official government or industry term, however, the problem is very real and the industry has done little to address it.
The reason? Some believe because there are no government subsidies for Zombie Wells, only Orphan and Abandoned Wells.
Others believe the energy companies should “do the right thing” and fix this environmental problem.
Orphan wells and abandoned wells refer to oil, gas, or other natural resource wells that have been left unattended, usually by their operators or owners, without proper closure, maintenance, or reclamation. These wells can pose significant environmental, economic, and safety concerns.
Abandoned wells are those that have been permanently taken out of production but have not undergone proper closure procedures. Failure to seal an abandoned well can result in the release of harmful gases and fluids into the surrounding environment, potentially contaminating groundwater and emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
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These wells can also become hazards for humans and wildlife due to physical instability and potential for accidents.
Orphan wells are abandoned wells that no longer have a responsible owner or operator, often because the company that drilled them has gone bankrupt, become defunct, or simply cannot fulfill its responsibilities.
These wells can become a burden on governments and taxpayers, as the costs of properly plugging and reclaiming them fall on public resources.
Orphan wells can be particularly problematic when they are numerous and widespread, as they can lead to cumulative environmental degradation and financial liabilities for regulatory bodies.
Addressing the issues posed by orphan and abandoned wells requires regulatory intervention, financial responsibility measures, and industry cooperation.
Governments and regulatory agencies need to establish guidelines for proper well closure and reclamation, ensuring that operators provide adequate financial assurances upfront to cover potential abandonment costs.
In cases where wells become orphaned, mechanisms should be in place to allocate resources for their proper closure and cleanup. This can involve the establishment of funds contributed to by the industry to address orphaned well liabilities.
Overall, the management of orphan and abandoned wells is crucial for preventing environmental damage, safeguarding human health and safety, and minimizing financial burdens on society.
It involves a collaborative effort between government bodies, industry stakeholders, and environmental organizations to ensure responsible well management throughout the lifecycle of resource extraction activities.
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The Unicorn Lawyer Shines Light on Zombie Wellz