In late July, oil well control specialist Hawk Dunlap uncovered a so-called “zombie well” on a ranch in Pecos County, Texas, that had unexpectedly started leaking gas and toxic water, despite being plugged just over a year prior. Dunlap, who has extensive experience in the oil industry, criticized the Railroad Commission (RRC) for inadequate well-plugging practices, claiming that improper sealing has led to a surge of leaking abandoned wells across West Texas.
Dunlap, alongside oil and gas lawyer Sarah Stogner, has documented over 100 orphan wells that were incorrectly recorded as properly plugged by the RRC. Their findings have raised concerns about the commission’s oversight, especially as more abandoned wells are beginning to leak or erupt due to increased pressure from wastewater injection related to the fracking boom in the Permian Basin.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering an investigation into the RRC’s waste disposal well permitting authority following a federal complaint from the watchdog group Commission Shift. RRC spokesperson Patty Ramon stated that the EPA has yet to initiate a review but expressed willingness to cooperate if contacted.
Dunlap is campaigning as a libertarian for one of the three RRC seats, advocating for better well-plugging practices, accountability for oil companies, and a rebranding of the commission to clarify its regulatory role in the oil industry. He expressed disappointment in the state’s handling of well management, stating, “It was quite a bit of a gut punch for me.”