Despite Texas’ “aggressive” well-plugging program, there’s still a backlog of orphaned oil and gas wells
No state has punched more holes in its bedrock than the Lone Star State. The environmental risks are staggering, and so are the clean up costs, especially in the Permian Basin. Full Story
![The head of an abandoned well sprouts from the ground on Stuart Carter's cattle ranch in Luling. For years, he has pushed the operator who took over a mineral lease to plug the well. The operator refuses to do so, saying it's not his responsibility.](https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Kn_d7SVT4zTQk-dB1BnJMGK3ag8=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/12/20/TxTrib_LeakingWells033.jpg)