House Resolution No. by Representative Braud urges the Department of Conservation and Energy to conduct a comprehensive study on the state's liability concerning the decommissioning of orphan, inactive, and low-production oil and gas wells. The resolution highlights the increasing number of orphaned wells in Louisiana, which has reached approximately 6,500, with an estimated decommissioning cost exceeding $500 million. It emphasizes the challenges posed by insufficient financial security for well decommissioning, limitations on funding for the Oilfield Site Restoration program, and the growing risk to taxpayers as more wells become orphaned or inactive.

The resolution outlines specific areas for the department to investigate, including the total costs associated with decommissioning orphaned and low-production wells, potential funding sources, and strategies to mitigate taxpayer risk. The department is required to provide a written report detailing its findings to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment by March 1, 2027. This study aims to assist the legislature in identifying legislative solutions to address the state's growing liability for oil and gas well decommissioning.