Methane emissions reduction program
The Virginia Department of Energy received $2,643,702 in federal grant dollars to lower methane emissions across the Commonwealth. Through the agency's Gas and Oil program, the Methane Emissions Reduction Program will fund the plugging of natural gas wells that are producing at a minimum, termed marginal conventional wells (MCWs). The funding comes from the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) which is under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and in agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Virginia Energy prioritized natural gas wells. Those that have been shut in or are marginal producers will be the first to receive funding to be plugged and have the site reclaimed. Marginally producing is defined by Virginia Energy as less than five thousand cubic feet of natural gas per day. An estimated 250 natural gas wells meet the criteria. Operators will apply for the funding and complete the work at each approved site.
