---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 C.F.R. § 3263.15"
title: "43"
number: "3263.15"
heading: "May I abandon a producible well?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/3263.15"
---

# §3263.15. May I abandon a producible well?

- (a) You may abandon a producible well only after you receive BLM's approval. Before abandoning a producing well, send BLM the information listed in [§ 3263.11](/cfr/43/3263.11.md). We may also require you to explain why you want to abandon the well.
- (b) BLM will deny your request if we determine that the well is needed:
  - (1) To protect a Federal lease from drainage; or
  - (2) **To protect the environment or other resources of the United States.**

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1001-1028; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; and Pub. L. 109-58.

### Source

Source: 72 FR 24400, May 2, 2007, unless otherwise noted.