Addressing Legacy Pollution by Reclaiming Abandoned Mine Lands and Remediating Orphaned Wells

Goal leaders

Steven Feldgus

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Land and Mineral Management (DOI)

Joan Mooney

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Policy, Management, and Budget (DOI)

To achieve

By September 30, 2025, DOI will use Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds to assist states in reclaiming 1,150 abandoned mine land problems; and support the plugging of 7,900 identified orphaned oil and gas wells on state, private, tribal, and federal lands. By reducing legacy pollution with BIL investments, DOI is helping to improve community health and safety, create good paying jobs, and address the climate crisis, all of which is transforming a legacy of pollution into a legacy of environmental stewardship.

Progress Updates

FY 2024 Q3
FY 2024 Q2
FY 2024 Q1