Skip to Content

Search tceq.texas.gov

Questions or Comments: TxMCW@tceq.texas.gov

Texas Voluntary Marginal Conventional Well Plugging Program (TxMCW)

Voluntary grant program for the plugging and abandonment of low-producing conventional oil and gas wells in Texas.

Owners and operators of marginal conventional wells in Texas may be eligible for assistance to voluntarily plug and abandon select wells. Marginal conventional wells are those that produce a low volume of oil or gas.

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 Events

There are no upcoming events at this time. Check back later for new opportunities to get involved.

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.

Past Presentations

Contact Us

Email: TxMCW@tceq.texas.gov

Phone: 512-239-4950