❝ “Cleaning up the tens of thousands oil and gas wells on U.S. federal land after they stop producing could cost over $6 billion, and taxpayers may need to pitch in, according to an analysis of state and federal data commissioned by a conservation watchdog group.” The analysis by consultancy ECONorthwest on behalf of the Center for Western Priorities, estimates the potential reclamation costs for the 94,096 oil and gas wells now producing on federal lands at $6.1 billion. The study pointed out the figure is likely several times higher than the amount the government has collected from oil and gas companies for the purposes of well reclamation – and taxpayers could be liable for some of the difference.
Our politicians remain as thoughtful as ever about passing along expenses from their corruption. To taxpayers.
Eideard 
“Analysis finds $8.1 billion gap in New Mexico bonding requirements, clean up costs for oil and gas” https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2021/05/20/analysis-finds-8-1-billion-gap-in-new-mexico-bonding-requirements-clean-up-costs-for-oil-and-gas/
“Oil boom in New Mexico could stick taxpayers with cleanup costs – study” https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-boom-new-mexico-could-stick-taxpayers-with-cleanup-costs-study-2021-05-20/