Government shutdown means 90% of EPA staff won't be working

0:00 0:00 1x

This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here .

Nearly 90% of EPA’s staff will be furloughed in the government shutdown.

Research, new grants and permits, and inspections of facilities will pause.

The cessation of work comes in addition to significant cuts the Trump administration has already made at EPA.

The shutdown of the U.S. government could have ripple effects for human health and the environment as an already weakened Environmental Protection Agency will see nearly all of its staff furloughed and many of its operations paused.

The first shutdown in six years went into effect late Tuesday and requires federal agencies to stop all nonessential work. Most EPA work is considered only partially essential under federal rules.