Performance Grant Programs

Matching Grants Program (42 U.S.C. § 15907(c)(5)(F))

Through the State Matching Grant Program, States that demonstrate progress in alleviating the likelihood of future orphaned wells by increasing state spending on well plugging, remediation, and reclamation, are eligible for up to $30 million in grant funding.

An eligible State may receive a Matching Grant equal to the difference between the average annual amount expended by the State during the period of fiscal years 2010-2019 to address orphaned wells and “the amount that the State certifies to the Secretary [of the Interior] the State will expend, during the fiscal year in which the State will receive the grant.” Each State can receive multiple Matching Grants—one per State fiscal year—but cannot exceed the $30 million total. 

States retain broad discretion in how they use their Matching Grant funds. States may use funding, consistent with their priorities, for the purposes stated in 42 U.S.C. § 15907(c)(2), but States primarily use their funding to plug, remediate, and reclaim orphaned wells and well sites on state and private land.   

Guidance for the State Matching Grant Program can be found below. States are encouraged to contact their OWPO Federal Assistance Office Representative (FAOR) with any questions regarding the State Matching Grant Guidance. 

Resources 

• Revised State Matching Grant Guidance (available soon)