The objective of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather input from industry stakeholders to inform the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) understanding of the technologies, practices, pricing structures, and challenges associated with methane emissions measurement and the plugging and abandonment of marginally producing conventional oil and gas wells. Plugging and abandonment refers to the process of permanently decommissioning a well, including the placement of mechanical and cement plugs, removal of surface and downhole equipment, site remediation if applicable, and the regulatory filing and approval of the abandonment by the Texas Railroad Commission. This effort supports the development of TxMCW, a grant-funded initiative under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP), made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The program aims to reduce harmful air emissions by permanently plugging and abandoning marginal conventional wells (MCWs) across Texas. TCEQ anticipates that program activities may include preplugging methane measurement using qualitative or quantitative methods, plugging and abandonment of MCWs in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements, and post-plugging methane measurement and site restoration. The information collected through this RFI will assist TCEQ in refining program design, developing appropriate scopes of work, and informing future solicitation strategies.
