After 19 Days, West Texas Oil Well Finally Plugged; Experts Slam Oversight and Contractor Liability

A Kinder Morgan-operated oil well in West Texas has been sealed after 19 days of uncontrolled emissions, an episode that reignited criticism over the environmental risks posed by so-called “orphan wells” — abandoned sites without a responsible operator. The leak occurred about five miles west of Toyah in Reeves County, where workers reported visible discharges […]