National Parks Open With Limited Staff. Oil/Gas Permitting Continues Apace

"Don’t count on a few new AI lawnmowers to steward America’s national treasures through the fallout. "

"On Tuesday evening, with the federal government on the brink of a shutdown, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum took to social media to tout the agency’s deployment of autonomous lawnmowers on the National Mall and at several other National Park sites.

“By harnessing AI’s potential, we can protect these natural treasures more efficiently, enhance visitor experiences, and set a global example of how innovation and stewardship go hand in hand,” he wrote on X.

This morning, he and every other American woke up to a National Park system headed for predictable chaos. As it did during the 35-day shutdown of 2018-19, the Trump administration has opted to keep national parks and monuments largely open to the public, albeit with a skeleton crew of rangers and other employees.

As it gambles with park resources and visitor safety, Interior will maintain staff to process oil, gas and mining permits during the shutdown, while halting the agency’s work on renewable energy projects."

Chris D'Angelo reports for Public Domain October 1, 2025.

"Interior Mostly Mum On Shutdown Plans" (E&E News)

"Shutdown May Slow Oil And Gas Drilling On Public Lands" (E&E News)

"What To Know About The Government Shutdown" (E&E News)

"EPA’s Job Is To Protect America’s Air, Water And Land. Here’s How A Shutdown Affects That Effort" (AP)

"How Shutdown Gridlock Could Impede Disaster Preparedness" (New York Times)

Energy & Fuel

Environmental Politics