## National Nonprofit Launches High-Integrity Carbon Credits from Orphaned Oil Wells, Offering Climate Solution and Taxpayer Relief
The Well Done Foundation (WDF), a national nonprofit dedicated to plugging orphaned oil and gas wells across the United States, has announced the release of 778,000 high-integrity carbon credits. This groundbreaking initiative offers a market-based solution to address the urgent environmental and financial challenges posed by these abandoned wells, while simultaneously providing a powerful tool for climate action.
Since its inception in 2019, WDF envisioned a market-driven approach to fund the massive undertaking of plugging the millions of orphaned wells across the country. Working collaboratively with Verra and the American Carbon Registry (ACR), WDF spearheaded the development of a methodology for quantifying and verifying greenhouse gas emission reductions from plugging these wells, a methodology published in May 2023. This pioneering work has now culminated in the release of these certified carbon credits, making WDF the first nonprofit to offer such a solution.
A Multi-faceted Approach to Environmental and Fiscal Responsibility:
WDF’s high-integrity carbon credits provide businesses, organizations, and individuals a tangible way to reduce their carbon footprint. The process ensures rigorous standards for certification, transparency, traceability, and permanence, thanks to partnerships with industry leaders CarbonPath and Cloverly. These collaborations ensure the highest levels of accountability and data integrity for carbon credit buyers.
“By bringing these certified high-integrity carbon credits to the marketplace,” says Curtis Shuck, Founder and Chairman of WDF, “Well Done Foundation is not only addressing the urgent environmental issue of orphan oil and gas wells but also empowering businesses and individuals to play an active role in reducing carbon emissions through a market-based approach. This is a win-win for the climate, communities, and taxpayers.”
The financial implications are significant. The sale of these credits directly funds WDF’s ongoing efforts to plug more orphaned wells, creating a virtuous cycle of environmental remediation and financial sustainability. Importantly, this innovative approach alleviates the financial burden on taxpayers who would otherwise bear the cost of this crucial environmental cleanup.
Partnerships and Project Details:
WDF’s success is built on strategic partnerships. CarbonPath, a leading registry, ensures the highest scientific standards and transparent digital tracking of the projects. Cloverly’s commerce software platform streamlines the purchasing process, making climate action more accessible. Other key partners include Ventbuster Instruments, ABB and Sensors, Inc., Well Intel w/ Wildcat AI, 360 Environmental Engineering & Consulting, Precision Well Servicing, ALL Consulting, SVS Family Foundation, and Youth Climate Exchange (YCX).
The initial offering includes credits from two projects:
* Palmer Bow Island 1-4: 128,555 credits
* Palmer Bow Island 2-2: 140,071 credits
A total of 268,626 credits are currently available for purchase from the 778,000 credits generated by WDF’s 2023 Montana Legacy Project. These credits represent a significant step forward in reducing methane emissions and mitigating the environmental damage caused by orphaned wells.
Looking Ahead:
WDF remains committed to working with local, state, and federal agencies to tackle the widespread problem of orphaned wells. Their goal is to continue expanding their impact, plugging more wells, and providing more opportunities for climate action through the sale of high-integrity carbon credits. For those interested in learning more about purchasing carbon credits and supporting WDF’s mission, visit [welldonefoundation.org](welldonefoundation.org).
About the Well Done Foundation:
Established in 2019, the Well Done Foundation tackles climate change by systematically plugging the estimated 2.15 million orphaned oil and gas wells in the United States. Through collaborations with various stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, government agencies, corporations, and other nonprofits, WDF locates, assesses, plugs, and restores these sites, leaving a lasting positive impact on the environment and communities.
