Interior Dept. must report yearly on offshore well cleanups
In committeeS. 4239Latest action
Sponsor: Peter Welch · Senator · VT
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Plug Offshore Wells Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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This bill requires a yearly public report tracking whether offshore oil and gas companies are cleaning up old wells and platforms on time.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
Each year, the Secretary of the Interior would have to publish a public report on old offshore oil and gas wells, platforms, and pipelines in U.S. waters. The report would show how many structures were supposed to be shut down, how many actually were, how many missed deadlines, and what enforcement actions were taken against companies that did not comply. It would also note which structures were left underwater versus physically removed.
Who does it affect?
This bill affects the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and oil and gas companies that own or operate offshore drilling equipment. The published reports would be freely available to any member of the public on the department's website.
Why does it matter?
Without a regular public report, it can be hard to know whether companies are meeting their cleanup deadlines or facing consequences when they don't. This bill creates a consistent record that anyone can look up.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 26, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jul 15, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.