EPA is preparing for a shutdown as Congress struggles to pass new funding to keep the federal government open.
Administrator Michael Regan told agency staff in an email obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News that EPA has updated “contingency plans” to power down the agency if there is a lapse in appropriations. Funding for EPA and other agencies is set to expire Friday, but lawmakers have yet to approve spending to stop them from shuttering.
“While there is still time for the Congress to avoid a lapse in appropriations, prudent management requires the proper preparation for all contingencies, including the possibility that a lapse could occur,” Regan said in the email sent Thursday.
Regan said a funding lapse would mean “certain government activities” would cease. That would include paychecks for many EPA employees blocked from doing their jobs.
