After Democratic Election Win, Trump Pushes GOP Senators to End Government Shutdown—Live Updates
As the government shutdown surpasses one month, industry leaders in waste, recycling, and manufacturing warn of mounting delays to federal programs critical to safety, permitting, and chemical approvals, WasteDive reported. With nearly 90% of EPA staff furloughed, regulatory timelines have stalled, including progress on a national heat standard and approvals under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Kristyn Oldendorf of the Solid Waste Association of North America said delays are already impacting construction budgets and compliance planning. Meanwhile, grant programs like the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) remain technically active, but the status of staff overseeing them is unclear. Up to 28 EPA employees tied to waste diversion efforts may face layoffs, pending legal challenges.
Ross Eisenberg of the American Chemistry Council said hundreds of chemicals are stuck in review, including sustainable alternatives that can’t reach the market due to the TSCA pause. Worker safety advocates also raised alarms about stalled OSHA inspections and rulemaking, including the heat standard proposal intended to protect outdoor laborers.
Despite the shutdown, EPA restructuring continues, including the merger of key offices and the elimination of its research division—moves SWANA has criticized as undermining scientific development. The agency has blamed congressional Democrats for the shutdown and maintains it is focused on “statutory obligations and Presidential priorities.”
