Abandoned Oil Wells Pose Grave Environmental Risks as National Park Service Faces Staffing Shortage

As of October 2025, the National Park Service is facing a critical staffing shortage in its efforts to address the growing problem of abandoned oil and gas wells on federal lands. Forrest Smith, the agency's sole petroleum engineer tasked with overseeing the cleanup of these hazardous sites, was forced to step down from his position last month, and his role has not been filled.

The departure of Smith, who had held the job since 2019, leaves the Park Service without the necessary expertise to confidently manage the estimated 93 abandoned wells under its jurisdiction. These orphaned wells, which were drilled before the national parks were established, pose significant environmental and public health risks, as they can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as well as other harmful chemicals like benzene.

With no one left to oversee the well-plugging operations, there are concerns that the $4.7 billion in federal funding approved through the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law for states, tribes, and agencies like the Park Service to address the nationwide orphaned well problem may go unspent or be mismanaged. The loss of Smith's specialized knowledge and experience has left a critical gap in the Park Service's ability to ensure these taxpayer-funded cleanup efforts are carried out effectively.

The situation highlights the broader challenge facing federal land management agencies as they struggle to maintain staffing levels and retain specialized personnel, even as the Biden administration has prioritized addressing the environmental threats posed by abandoned fossil fuel infrastructure. With no clear timeline for when Smith's position will be filled, the future of the Park Service's efforts to mitigate the risks of these leaking wells remains uncertain.