In Ohio, one of the significant issues in the oil and natural gas industries is the proliferation of abandoned oil wells, which are rightfully called "orphan wells." 

The fluctuating market and the unstable rise and fall of oil prices are significant factors for the closures of many oil wells in Ohio. Oil companies are forced to declare bankruptcy and abandon their wells when oil prices drop considerably. In addition, the aging oil wells left decades ago are now cause for concern due to methane leaks that may cause explosions, contaminate groundwater, and are toxic to humans if exposed. 

On this issue, two sides have proposed different methods to tackle these orphan wells. Should the state protect its people and fund the immediate plugging of the wells before the loss of life and property, or wait until they become an immediate danger? 

While the responsibility of plugging the abandoned wells should be left to the companies that drilled the wells, the bankrupt companies don't have the funds available. Thus the burden to protect the people rests on the taxpayers of Ohio. 

The state government, mandated under the constitution to safeguard the people's welfare, is forced to take action on any problem affecting its inhabitants. Thus, the state must act proactively before an explosion occurs. However, state-proposed solutions must be fair towards the owner of the oil well, its workers, the people, and the government. 

The Orphan Wells Bill passed in 2018 increased the budget for plugging abandoned orphan wells. It is a state-funded project that will secure all orphan wells in the state. The cost to the state to plug the abandoned wells can be $5,000 - $110,000 per well, and only 39 companies in Ohio are licensed to perform the work. 

The question for debate is, should Ohio wait until orphan wells are an immediate danger to plug them?