Tribal Orphaned Well Grants

Background

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $150 million for Tribal well plugging, remediation, and restoration. Tribes may seek funding to undertake the well plugging or may request that the Secretary administer the well plugging on behalf of [“in lieu of”] the Tribe. The $150 million will be distributed over multiple funding opportunities, with an initial $50 million available in FY23. Funding will be distributed and managed by the Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance (OEPC). 

FY23 Funding Opportunities

Three types of grant funding are available in FY23 for a total of $50 million:

  • Tribal Implementation Grants: Funds are available to plug, remediate, and reclaim orphaned well sites on the Indian Tribe’s respective trust or restricted lands.
  • Program Development Grants: Funds are available to assist Tribes in the development or administration of a Tribal program to carry out any activities associated with plugging, remediating, and/or reclaiming orphaned well sites on the Indian Tribe’s respective trust or restricted lands.
  • “In Lieu Of” Funding:  Tribes have the option to request the DOI administer and carry out plugging, remediation, and reclamation activities on the Tribe’s behalf.

Funding Limitations

Tribes may apply for an individual Program Development Grant and either a Tribal Implementation Grant OR “In Lieu Of” Funding. Tribes may not apply for a Tribal Implementation Grant AND “In Lieu of” Funding in the same year. Tribes may also choose to only apply for one grant type, if applicable.

Open Application Period

Tribes may apply for funding between November 18, 2022 and February 21, 2023.  Tribes should apply following the instructions in the FY23 Tribal Orphaned Well Grant Guidance. All applications must be emailed to ECRP@ios.doi.gov by 11:59 PM on February 21, 2023. An email acknowledging receipt will be provided to the sender within one business day of receipt.

Technical Assistance Opportunities

Technical assistance for submitting application materials is available from DOI’s Interior Business Center (IBC). IBC can be reached at ECRP@ios.doi.gov.  

Training Webinars and Open Office Hours: 

Tribes are encouraged to attend applicable webinars and office hour sessions listed below. Office hours will be an open question and answer format for Tribes to ask any questions about the Orphaned Well Program or grant application process.

All sessions will be held in a webinar format.

Additional Resources:

Dear Tribal Leader Letter August 2022

Dear Tribal Leader Letter January 2023​​​​​​​

Tribal Webinar and Office Hours Flyer

Best Management Practices - Grant Awards Information Webinar Registration Form

Orphaned Well Tribal Grant Guidance Informational Webinar - Presentation Slides

Davis-Bacon Requirements

Tribal Consultation Summary Report (coming soon)

Tribal Consultation Transcript (coming soon)

 

Was this page helpful?