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Toxic wastewater from oil fields keeps pouring out of the ground in oklahoma. For years, residents have filed complaints and struggled to find solutions. We need your help to understand the full scale of the problem.
Oklahoma Senator Proposes New Regulations to Address Oilfield Wastewater Pollution
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An Oklahoma state senator has introduced legislation to strengthen regulations on how oilfield wastewater is injected underground, responding to findings from a recent investigation that revealed widespread pollution. The investigation detailed over 150 incidents in recent years where oilfield wastewater has surfaced, releasing potentially carcinogenic chemicals near homes, farmland, and drinking water sources.
New Bills Target Groundwater Threats, Landowner Rights
Senator Mary Boren filed four bills aimed at curbing industrial pollution and increasing transparency for landowners during the legislative session beginning Monday.
- Legislation seeks to assess the risk of wastewater injection cracking rock layers.
- A fee on oilfield wastewater could fund groundwater testing and cleanup efforts.
- Bills aim to protect landowners when oil and gas wells on their property are sold.
- The proposals face potential hurdles in the GOP-controlled Legislature.
Senator Mary Boren, a Democrat and member of the chamber’s Energy Committee, is spearheading the effort. “My responsibility is to pay attention to things that could solve problems for real Oklahomans,” Boren said, crediting the investigation for highlighting the scale of pollution from oil and gas injection practices. While laws increasing oversight of oil and gas production-a major Oklahoma industry-of
Wastewater Injection Risk Assessment and Funding
One of Boren’s bills would require the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to assess the risk of wastewater injection cracking rock layers and contaminating groundwater. Another proposes a fee on oilfield wastewater, with the revenue dedicated to groundwater testing and cleanup. Oil and gas companies could receive deductions by investing in wastewater recycling technology. The fee could cost large companies hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.
Landowner Protections and Well Sales
Boren’s legislation, including SB 1472, also addresses the rights of landowners. In Oklahoma, landowners don’t always own the oil and gas beneath their property.The proposed legislation would require companies to notify landowners before selling wells located on their land. This is crucial because older, less productive wells are often sold to undercapitalized companies that may lack the resources for proper cleanup. when these companies fail, taxpayers often bear the cleanup costs, while landowners are left with the pollution risk.
Addressing Financial responsibility in well Sales
Two bills specifically target the financial capacity of companies involved in well sales. SB 1419 would allow landowners to challenge sales if the buyer appears unable to fund future plugging requirements. SB 1418 would require regulators to assess a buyer’s financial capacity before approving a sale,potentially blocking transactions involving insolvent or financially distressed sellers. Last year, Oklahoma lawmakers passed a bill-sponsored by Boren and sen. Grant green-to increase financial assurances for well cleanup.
“When you don’t have regulation that can enforce best practices,” Boren said, “you have bad actors looking to make a
