Writers on the Range: Chronicle of an abandoned oil and gas well — one of millions

Guest Column | The story of an abandoned oil and gas wells

Even from a distance it’s clear that an oil and gas well, called “State Senate #2,” in New Mexico has seen better days.

How taxpayers got stuck with the bill for one abandoned oil and gas well — one of millions

Even from a distance it’s clear that an oil and gas well called “State Senate #2” in New Mexico has seen better days. The pumpjack sits idle, tumbleweeds surround the once-moving parts, and the earth smells of crude saturating the soil. According to state records, this well last produced oil in 2007, and even then, it was at a rate of about 25 to 50 barrels per year. Though the state inexplicably lists the well’s status as “active,” it’s not. An…

Jonathan Thompson: Chronicle of an abandoned oil and gas well — one of millions

Jonathan Thompson tells the chronicle of an abandoned oil and gas well — one of millions

Writers on the Range: Chronicle of an abandoned oil and gas well — one of millions

Even from a distance it’s clear that an oil and gas well called “State Senate #2” in New Mexico has seen better days. The pumpjack sits idle, tumbleweeds surround the once-moving parts, and the earth smells of crude saturating the soil. According to state records, this well last produced oil in 2007, and even then it was at a rate of about 25 to 50 barrels per year. Though the state inexplicably lists the well’s status as “active,” it’s not. And…