What Shutdown? Work on Fossil Fuel Permits Continues

Despite the ongoing partial government shutdown, certain federal workers are still on the job, carrying out crucial tasks that enable the continuation of fossil fuel projects. Among those exempt from the furlough are employees responsible for issuing permits for oil, gas, and mining operations. This means that the development of fossil fuel resources can proceed, albeit with some limitations.

The workers, who are part of the Bureau of Land Management and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are continuing to process permits and environmental assessments for new projects, as well as revising existing regulations. This includes efforts to repeal pollution limits and other environmental safeguards, which has raised concerns among environmental groups and lawmakers.

The exemptions granted to these workers have sparked criticism, with some arguing that the Trump administration is prioritizing the interests of the fossil fuel industry over those of the environment and public health. “It’s outrageous that the administration is allowing the fossil fuel industry to continue to operate with minimal oversight while other essential government functions are shut down,” said a spokesperson for the environmental group, Friends of the Earth.

The shutdown, which began on December 22, has left many government agencies without funding, resulting in the furlough of hundreds of thousands of employees. However, the Trump administration has deemed certain activities, including those related to national security, public health, and safety, as essential and therefore exempt from the shutdown.

The continued operation of fossil fuel projects has significant implications for the environment, public health, and the economy. As the shutdown drags on, concerns are growing about the long-term consequences of allowing these projects to proceed without adequate oversight and regulation. “The administration’s decision to exempt fossil fuel permit processing from the shutdown is a clear example of its prioritization of corporate profits over people and the planet,” said a Democratic lawmaker.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the shutdown will impact the fossil fuel industry and the environment in the long run. One thing is certain, however: the continued operation of these projects will have far-reaching consequences that warrant close attention and scrutiny.