Ohio's Ancient Earthworks And Ballad Singing After Hurricane Helene, Inside Appalachia

This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a new book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.

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Orphan Wells

Energy & Environment WVPB Staff, Jun. 09, 2026

Dealing With Thousands Of Abandoned Natural Gas Wells, This West Virginia Morning

There are just over 6,000 abandoned or orphaned natural gas wells in West Virginia, according to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Some estimates suggest that number is low. The surprising thing, though, is where some of them are located.

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Energy & Environment Curtis Tate, Jan. 31, 2022

State Eligible For $55 Million To Cap Orphaned Oil, Gas Wells, Feds Say

West Virginia has more than 4,000 documented abandoned oil and gas wells, but there are likely many more.

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WVPB News Brittany Patterson, Jul. 22, 2019

Joint W.Va. Legislative Committee Urged to Find Fix for Plugging ‘Orphan’ Wells

Members of the West Virginia Legislature heard testimony Monday in support of reviving policy solutions to address the state’s growing number of abandoned…

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WVPB News Brittany Patterson, Mar. 29, 2019

Justice Vetoes 15 Bills for 'Technical' Reasons, Two Related to Natural Gas Industry

Governor Jim Justice released justifications Friday for 15 bills passed by the West Virginia Legislature that he vetoed due to technical errors, including…

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