The Well Done Foundation (WDF), a nonprofit dedicated to plugging orphaned oil and gas wells across the United States, has launched 778,000 certified high-integrity carbon credits. These credits provide a market-based solution for combating methane emissions and offer businesses and individuals an opportunity to offset their carbon footprints while addressing a critical environmental issue.
The carbon credits, developed in collaboration with Verra and the American Carbon Registry (ACR), these carbon credits mark the first certification for orphan well remediation. The proceeds will directly fund WDF’s mission to cap methane-emitting wells. As part of the 2023 Montana Legacy Project, 268,626 credits are currently available for purchase, covering two initial projects: Palmer Bow Island 1-4, contributing 128,555 credits, and Palmer Bow Island 2-2, with 140,071 credits. These projects target high-emission wells, with additional credits set to be released as further projects are verified.
“By bringing these certified high-integrity carbon credits to the marketplace, 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,” said Curtis Shuck, Founder and Chairman of WDF. “This is a win-win for the climate, communities, and taxpayers. We are proud to be the first nonprofit to offer these high-integrity credits, and we are excited to work alongside our partners to expand and scale our impact.”
The initiative partners with CarbonPath and Cloverly to ensure rigorous certification, transparency, and traceability of the credits. “We are proud to act as the registry for the Well Done Foundation in their quest to permanently stop methane pollution from the over 2 million orphaned and abandoned wells in the United States, and we hope to see awareness and support grow for tackling this critical problem,” said Tyler Crabtree, CEO of CarbonPath.
The carbon credits are supported by cutting-edge technology, including Ventbuster Instruments and Wildcat AI, which facilitate accurate measurement and reporting. Cloverly’s CEO, Jason Rubottom, emphasised the platform’s role in maximising the impact of the credits. “By leveraging our purpose-built commerce software, we aim to empower innovative project developers like the Well Done Foundation to maximise the impact of their carbon credits, making it easier than ever to drive meaningful climate action,” he said.
WDF’s efforts also alleviate taxpayer burdens by funding well remediation through market-based solutions. Orphan wells, estimated at over 2 million in the US, release substantial methane emissions, posing environmental and health risks.
The foundation’s approach has gained support from stakeholders such as Youth Climate Exchange (YCX) and the SVS Family Foundation and integrates advanced technology from ABB and Sensors Inc. By tackling the challenge of orphan wells, WDF provides an actionable solution to one of the most pressing environmental issues today.
