As the shutdown continues, I know that this is confusing and stressful to many of us. We rely on the federal government and the services it provides for our families, communities, businesses. That's why I wanted to break down what a government shutdown means, how it could affect our families, why this matters in our fight to protect our environment, and what we can do now.

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🤔 Why is this happening?

Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House. Their gross mismanagement has led us here, with all of us suffering the consequences.

Since day one, Trump has unraveled protections for clean air and safe drinking water, cut funding for clean energy initiatives that lower utility rates and costs for families, and fired or forced out hundreds of thousands of federal workers and civil servants.

In short, he has handed the keys to our government over to corrupt politicians, fossil fuel companies, and corporate polluters who paid to get him elected. Sadly, this shutdown is just the next illogical step in Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to dismantle our federal government.

Our democracy is very much at risk.

🤷🏽‍♀️ What does this mean for me?

The Trump Shutdown is going to impact all of us. Government workers deemed "essential" will be forced to work unpaid, with eventual backpay, while others will get sent home. This will cause:

• Social Security and other health and safety programs like nutritional assistance for families could see delays.
• Air travel may become even more chaotic, dysfunctional, and potentially dangerous.
• The FDA will likely reduce food inspections, while the EPA will suspend enforcement at hazardous waste sites, drinking water and chemical facilities that are breaking clean air and water laws.
• Thousands of disaster relief workers, like those at FEMA, will face significant challenges due to funding shortages and delays in aid; many are expected to be furloughed.

🚨 What is at stake?

Because of Trump and Republicans, Americans are already paying through the roof for everyday necessities. Utility bills alone have gone up 10 percent in a matter of months. This shutdown will send prices for electricity, groceries, health care and more even higher.

National parks and other public lands are being forced to remain open, but with skeleton staffing, which will seriously harm these lands, wildlife, and nearby communities. What's more, federal disaster relief and aid programs, which are critical to protect and assist our communities even during "normal" circumstances, will be stretched by Trump's government shutdown, affecting long-term rebuilding efforts and leaving communities vulnerable if a major emergency occurs.

From day one, Donald Trump has worked to dismantle the very protections for our air, water, and our public lands. He's gutted federal agencies, like the Department of the Interior, with layoffs and hiring freezes, leaving rangers and staff stretched thin.

Now, Trump and Republicans in Congress are holding our government hostage because they want to raise energy and healthcare costs to benefit their billionaire friends.

✋ How does it end?

Each Trump attack -- from firing agency staff, to threatening local governments, to shutting down our government -- pushes us further into an authoritarian future that I'm sure none of us want. To protect people and the planet, we need a functioning democracy.

Right now, Democrats are working to protect our healthcare and lower costs, while Republicans are choosing to shut down the government. Trump and Congressional Republicans control every branch of the federal government. They are responsible for the harms this shutdown will cause our communities.

Trump and Republicans need to come to the table and negotiate with Democrats for a deal that doesn't escalate our healthcare emergency and other crises.

We all want this shutdown to be over as soon as possible, and we can't back down and trade our health, democracy, and future for their authoritarian demands.

🫵 What can we do?

Trump is actively using illegal actions to punish his enemies, curtail freedom of speech and the media, and consolidate power. The overreach of the administration and ignoring the rule of law places all Americans at risk and makes it more difficult to fight for our environment and future.

We need a functioning democracy to secure protections for the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the climate we rely on. We have real power right now.

Will you join us to continue to turn the tide of public opinion against Trump's dangerous and illegal actions? Share this update with your friends and family!

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On Wed, Oct 1, Congress failed to reach a spending deal, which lead to our federal gov shutting down. This moment is confusing and stressful, which is why I found the @SierraClub explainer to break down what this means, how it could affect our families, and why this matters in our fight to protect our environment, super helpful! Share on Facebook Share on Instagram Share on Bluesky

Thank you for continuing to advocate for a just and livable future.

Melinda Pierce (she/her)
Legislative Director
Sierra Club