What the Government Shutdown Means for Environmental Policy
On Wednesday, October 1, the federal government shut down after congressional lawmakers failed to reach a budget agreement. While essential services, such as Social Security and SNAP, will continue operating, more than 750,000 federal workers across agencies have been furloughed (NBC). With all non-essential programs being put on hold, the government shutdown may have significant ramifications for environmental protection.
In terms of furloughed workers, the agency most impacted by the shutdown is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing environmental laws, conducting climate research, awarding grants for environmental work, and more. Before the shutdown, the EPA was already facing staff and budget cuts amidst changes in environmental priorities. Approximately 10 percent of the EPA’s workforce has been laid off since the beginning of 2025, leaving the agency with an already limited capacity to enforce environmental standards (The Hill). Over the past several months, the agency has leaned into deregulation and promoted fossil fuel use; many environmental professionals worry that the shutdown will only further incentivize companies to increase their emissions without consequences (PBS).
The EPA is reportedly operating under its shutdown plan, which calls for only 1,734 employees, just over 11.4 percent of its staff, to continue working (New York Times). According to the plan, essential operations, including emergency assistance, law enforcement, and litigation, will continue while payroll for furloughed workers, issuance of new grants, and research, among other programs, will cease to operate (EPA).
This is not the first time that a government shutdown has severely impacted the EPA. The 35-day shutdown between December 2018 and January 2019 also furloughed nearly 90% of the EPA staff, with significant consequences on climate protection work, a research study from the University of Chicago found. The study found that during a 30-day period within the shutdown, emissions significantly increased due to a temporary reduction in end-of-pipe pollution control (University of Chicago). The possibility of a repeat of this effect during the current shutdown is worrisome, especially given that the shutdown is projected to last until at least next week, with no new budget votes scheduled (CNBC).
NPR suggests that one of the biggest risks on the climate front is the impact on long-term weather and climate research. Previous government shutdowns have halted these initiatives, which could have negative impacts on data processing and ongoing research regarding climate change patterns (NPR). Another risk is the halting of civil enforcement inspections, on-site visits to chemical facilities to ensure compliance with environmental standards (Los Angeles Times).
Additionally, budget cuts enacted by the Department of Energy are likely to threaten efforts to reduce carbon emissions and air and water pollution. More than 300 funding awards have been cut, affecting projects in 16 states. This change is anticipated to cut thousands of green jobs and impact not only greenhouse emissions regulation, but also clean air and water initiatives (CNBC).
As with any government shutdown, the length of this lapse in funding is not entirely predictable, and the outcome will likely have profound impacts on climate policy and research. Environmental protection and politics are closely intertwined – whether lawmakers can reach a budget agreement will be critical for the future of environmental policy in the United States.
