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A voluntary program that covers the cost of plugging and abandoning older, lower-producing oil and gas wells in the Uinta Basin. We have $2.7 million available!
The program is creating job opportunities for local workers.
Are you eligible?
The program is open to well owners/operators meeting the following criteria:
- Wells located in Uintah or Duchesne County
- Wells producing 15 barrels of oil per day or less (≤15 day)
- Located on private or Tribal lands (Tribal consent is required for wells on or affecting Tribal lands)
What are the benefits of closing your well?
- Well closure and reclamation at no cost to the participant.
- Methane emission reductions, which contribute to lower wintertime ozone.
- Compliance with state and federal safety and environmental regulations is handled by the program.
How the well closure process works
- Apply: Complete the application form with your well details, ownership proof, and maps.
- Eligibility review: We review your application for completeness and eligibility.
- Prioritization: Your wells are scored based on factors like emissions, environmental risk, well condition, and cost. Learn more about prioritization.
- Methane measurement: Pre-closure measurements identify emissions and guide the Plugging and Abandonment (P&A) plan.
- Well closure: Qualified contractors safely plug your wells and restore the site.
- Final verification: We confirm the well is properly closed.
Application checklist
You’ll need:
- Proof of well ownership or operator authorization.
- Well location (GPS coordinates or legal description).
- Production information (average daily oil/gas output).
- Any prior environmental or methane data (if available).
- Tribal consent documentation, if applicable.
Timeline & key dates
Spring 2026
Applications open
Summer 2026
Applicants notified
Note: You will be notified of selection and scheduling after eligibility review and prioritization.
Fall 2028
All work completed
Our commitment to safety & protection
- We follow strict safety protocols (PPE, site safety) for all fieldwork.
- We ensure compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act for labor and Buy America requirements for materials.
- Environmental resources, Tribal lands, and sensitive ecosystems are protected throughout the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does this grant open?
The competitive application period opened March 30, 2026.
When does this grant close?
The competitive application period will close May 14, 2026.
Where do I apply?
The application link is available above.
Can I apply for multiple well closures?
Yes.
Do I have to contract the work myself?
Grant recipients will be required to work with the DAQ-selected contractor (Atlas Technical Consultants) to perform all project activities.
What does permanently plugging a well entail?
Wells are permanently plugged through a process called plug and abandonment (P&A). Cement is pumped into the well to cover and isolate the zones that produce oil and natural gas.
What is the purpose of this grant?
Utah has hundreds of marginal conventional wells on non-federal land, many of which are low-producing and potentially economically challenging to operators to maintain operations and to close in accordance with regulatory requirements. These low-producing wells have associated emissions of methane and VOCs that can contribute to reduced air quality in the area.
Contact
- Email: [email protected]
- Kristina Raner, Principal Investigator: (385) 266-0740