Alberta considers making oil, gas companies pay deposit to drill new wells

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is considering a proposal that would require oil and gas companies to pay a deposit before drilling new wells. The idea is a response to the growing cost of cleaning up inactive and abandoned wells, which has left the provincial government with a large bill.  Speaking at an industry event in early December 2025, Premier Smith suggested that companies could be required to put aside a deposit of around $10,000 per well. This money, along with any accrued interest, would be used to cover reclamation costs once a well is no longer in use.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/today-s-take--6662936/support.