OK OCC Oil & Gas

Orphaned Well Plugging Challenges Report

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission Oil and Gas Division issued a report on orphaned well plugging challenges. Oklahoma has 20,406 documented abandoned wells requiring plugging or adoption across 76 of 77 counties (Osage excluded due to tribal/federal jurisdiction). The report details FY 2024 plugging activity: 27 wells via state funds ($1,012,004.08), 17 wells via forfeited sureties ($254,003.00), and 938 wells via IIJA grants ($19,864,895.54). The report identifies significant challenges including gaps in state law preventing action on shut-in wells, low surety requirements enabling abandonment via shell companies, and additional federal requirements beyond the original IIJA.

OAC 165:5 Corporation Commission Rules of Practice

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission published updated Rules of Practice (OAC 165:5), effective October 1, 2025. The rules govern all Commission proceedings including case filing, electronic case filing (ECF), environmental permit reviews, citizen complaints, and specialized dockets covering petroleum storage tanks, natural gas gathering, motor carrier tax, pipeline safety, and consumer services. The update consolidates procedural requirements including definitions, filing procedures, hearing protocols, and order processes.