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U.S. to boost green jobs, curb emissions by plugging old oil and gas wells
(Reuters, 26 Apr 2022) As many as 120,000 jobs could be created by stopping abandoned oil and gas wells leaking climate-warming methane into the atmosphere.
For years, the smell of gas wafting through the grounds of the Franciscan Village senior housing facility in Cleveland was a joke among its residents, although they did not realize where the odor was coming from. A few months ago they found out.
An old gas well left unused since the 1950s had broken its clay plug, and methane and other chemical compounds were seeping out, just a few dozen feet from the three apartment buildings making up the 176-unit independent living facility.
“There were a couple of chairs back there, and I’d just sit around and read or listen to the birds, and it was beautiful. And all of a sudden, you’d go, ‘Oh my god, I’ve got to leave,’” said Susie Black, a resident for nearly eight years, recalling the nasty smell.
This year, construction at the facility uncovered the leaking well - and prompted quick action. Curtis Shuck, chairman of the nonprofit Well Done Foundation that has been plugging the well, pointed to two nearby buildings, both just 30 feet (9 m) away.
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Reuters, 26 Apr 2022: U.S. to boost green jobs, curb emissions by plugging old oil and gas wells
