Clean Water Current

The federal government shutdown has entered its second week following Congress’s failure to pass appropriations or a continuing resolution to fund federal operations, and there is no immediate end in sight. The prolonged lapse in funding has triggered widespread furloughs across federal agencies, including at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Out of more than 15,000 employees, only a limited number will be retained to perform essential agency functions as the shutdown continues. 

As NACWA reported last week, many EPA actions are now on hold. These include the issuance of new federal permits, grants, regulations, and policies; most ongoing research programs; and approvals for pending state requests such as permits, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), and water quality standards.

One concern NACWA members have expressed is whether existing funding that has already been approved for projects might be canceled as a result of the shutdown. This is something that happened with certain funds from the federal Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation early in the shutdown. While NACWA is not aware of any similar cancellations to date involving funding from EPA for water projects, the Association continues to closely monitor developments at EPA and other federal agencies to assess and communicate possible impacts to the public clean water sector. 

NACWA will keep members informed on developments around the government shutdown, but members are also encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns. Please contact Danielle Cloutier, NACWA’s Director of Legislative Affairs, or any member of NACWA’s Government Affairs team with questions.