The study released on Monday reflects one of the downsides to a years-long drilling boom that has made the United States a top world oil and gas producer.
The analysis by consultancy ECONorthwest on behalf of the Center for Western Priorities, estimates the potential reclamation costs for the 94,096 oil and gas wells now producing on federal lands at $6.1 billion.
The study pointed out the figure is likely several times higher than the amount the government has collected from oil and gas companies for the purposes of well reclamation – and taxpayers could be liable for some of the difference.
