Certified Carbon Credits for Orphan Well Remediation

The Well Done Foundation has launched 778,000 certified carbon credits to fund the plugging of orphaned oil and gas wells, reducing methane emissions while offering businesses and individuals a way to offset their carbon footprints.

2 minute read

January 2, 2025, 9:00 AM PST

By Clement Lau


Oil well in Bakersfield, California.

Sundry Photography / Adobe Stock

The Well Done Foundation (WDF), a national nonprofit dedicated to plugging orphaned oil and gas wells in the United States, has launched its first certified carbon credits into the market. With an initial release of 778,000 high-integrity carbon credits, the foundation offers businesses and individuals an innovative way to offset their carbon footprints while supporting the remediation of over 2 million orphan wells nationwide. This initiative, backed by partners such as CarbonPath and Cloverly, meets rigorous certification standards, ensuring transparency, traceability, and long-term climate impact. Proceeds from credit sales will fund further well-plugging projects, reducing methane emissions and alleviating the financial burden on taxpayers.

As the first nonprofit to market such credits, WDF emphasizes the dual benefits of environmental remediation and community support. Projects like Palmer Bow Island in Montana have already begun issuing credits, with 268,626 credits immediately available for purchase. WDF's approach aligns with its mission to fight climate change, restore degraded lands, and empower communities. By reinvesting sales proceeds, the foundation creates a sustainable funding cycle to tackle this critical environmental issue.

Partnering with organizations like Ventbuster Instruments, Cloverly, and the Youth Climate Exchange, WDF leverages advanced technology and commerce platforms to ensure the integrity and accessibility of its carbon credits. As the foundation continues to collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, its market-based strategy offers a scalable and impactful solution to methane pollution and climate change.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 in PR Newswire

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

2 hours ago - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

3 hours ago - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

4 hours ago - Arizona Republic