Rural North Texas communities, like those in Eastland County, are predominantly composed of farmers and ranchers who rely heavily on suitable land and effective land management for their livelihoods. The health of their farmland directly impacts crop yields and livestock productivity, which in turn sustains the local economy. The presence of old, defunct oil and gas developments not only occupies valuable agricultural land, but also poses environmental health risks, such as degraded respiratory health, soil quality, and water resources.
The Texas 57 project will shut down 57 low-production, high-emission wells across the Eastland County Field which, without intervention, could remain marginally active for decades. This verified emission reduction project will eliminate the environmental and health hazards posed by marginal wells and revitalize the local economy by creating jobs and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) is a common biproduct of production in the area and an extremely dangerous gas to nearby residents
From cementing and welding to permitting and trucking, the Texas 57 project will provide local job opportunities in the energy transition.
The historic Texas gas fields once funded development in rural areas such as this. Now, after years of declining production, the reclamation costs are left in the hands of small companies. Unfortunately, robust leak detection and repair is not financially viable for low production fields like this one.
Legacy oilfield an hour outside of Ft. Worth
Produced water and oil often mixed and stored onsite
First drilled in 1980, the Eastland County Field is characterized by low-producing, unprofitable marginal wells. Located just west of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this farming and ranching community has a per capita income of $14,870. Over the years, the field's outdated oil and gas infrastructure, including tanks and equipment in disrepair, has become an eyesore, an environmental threat, and an economic impediment. These terminal oil and gas developments obstruct productive farmland, disrupt native ecosystems, and affect four acres of assorted wetlands.
More than 30 landowners are burdened by inherited leases that have long ceased paying production royalties. Providing financial incentives to shut down these wells early can support economic decisions that improve community well-being by reducing emissions, mitigating environmental impacts, and increasing crop yields.
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The scale of this project represents an opportunity to immediately cut nearly 100,000 tons of CO2e emissions. When completed, this area will be returned to its native state and available for agricultural development.
