EPA Runs Out of Funds as Government Shutdown Drags On

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ran out of funds on Friday, December 28, 2018.

The EPA had carryover funds to keep up normal operations when the shutdown began Dec. 21, but those funds have run out. What that means is that more than 700 workers considered “essential’ will have to work without pay, while more than 13,000 other employees will be furloughed. Furloughed employees were instructed to change their voice mails, enable out-of-office emails and complete their time cards. All travel for furloughed employees is canceled.

The shutdown could also impact EPA activities that normally protect the nation’s environment and public health. Here are some activities the shutdown could impact, according to the agency’s contingency plan.

  1. The cleanup of Superfund sites
  2. Inspections of drinking water systems
  3. Inspections of hazardous waste management sites and chemical facilities
  4. Reviews of pesticides

In the case of Superfund sites, the EPA will evaluate them to see which pose the greatest public health risks if cleanup efforts are delayed.

Meanwhile, the Interior Department has been in shutdown mode for a week, and that has already taken a toll on national parks. Most parks have remained open but unstaffed, and that has led to a build up of trash and a spike in illegal activities.

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