Texas Voluntary Marginal Conventional Well Plugging Program (TxMCW)
Financial incentives for plugging low-producing conventional oil and gas wells.
Owners and operators of marginal conventional wells (those producing a low amount of oil or gas) in Texas may receive financial assistance to plug and abandon select wells.
Wells that Qualify
A qualifying well must be a marginal conventional well (MCW), which is defined as an onshore conventional well producing less than or equal to one of the following over a calendar year:
- 15 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOED); or
- 90 thousand cubic feet (Mcf) gas per day.
Note: 1 BOE = 6 Mcf.
Well Prioritization Plan
TCEQ’s Well Prioritization Plan describes how TxMCW will select wells for plugging. Prioritization criteria include but are not limited to existing emissions data or initial screening data, production rates, the number of wells operated by an owner, and potential human health and environmental impacts, among others.
Methane Measurement Plan
TCEQ's Methane Measurement Plan describes how the detection and measurement of methane emissions before and after well plugging activities will be conducted at participating MCWs. Methane detection is required for all MCWs selected for funding under the program. This plan is based on DOE's Methane Measurement Guidelines for MCWs .
Program Status
TxMCW is currently under development. Additional program guidance and opportunities are coming soon.
Sign up for updates to receive notifications about the program and be the first to know.
Upcoming Presentations/Seminars
| Date and Time | Location | Presentation/Seminar |
|---|---|---|
|
May 1, 2025 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
Bush Convention Center – Upstairs Ballroom 105 N Main St Midland, TX 79701 |
Permian Basin Environmental Regulatory Seminar
Cleaner Air in Texas: An Overview of the Texas Voluntary Marginal Conventional Well Plugging Program (TxMCW) |
|
June 4, 2025 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM And visit TxMCW at the main TCEQ Booth for the duration of the conference! |
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – Room 217CD 900 E Market St San Antonio, TX 78205 |
TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair & Conference Texas Voluntary Marginal Conventional Well Plugging Program (TxMCW) |
Background
TCEQ was awarded $134.1 million under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP). With this funding, TCEQ has developed TxMCW.
Additional Information
Contact Us
Email: TxMCW@tceq.texas.gov
Phone: 512-239-4950