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The Decline and Dangers of Abandoned Oil Wells in the United States and Beyond

The Hidden Threat of Orphaned Wells

In Lee County, New Mexico, renowned as the top oil-producing county in the U.S., a silent menace persists beneath the earth’s surface. Thousands of oil and gas wells have been abandoned, often left without proper sealing or oversight, and they pose significant environmental and health risks. These orphaned wells, which sit idle after their profitable lifespan, continue to leak methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and potential safety hazards. One such well, located in Hops, New Mexico, has been inactive for over five years but still releases high levels of methane, underscoring the persistent danger.