We are once again heading into a government shutdown, which is paralyzing Washington, D.C. The last shutdown stretched a record 35 days in 2018–2019—and whether this one is brief, partial, or prolonged, the damage will be real.
A shutdown is not just a Washington problem. It directly threatens our river economy, undermining the clean water, healthy ecosystems, and infrastructure that local businesses and communities rely on. From commercial navigation and fishing to recreation and tourism, shutdown disruptions ripple downstream, hitting small businesses, workers, and families across the country.
Tell Congress that a government shutdown is bad for rivers
Congress must work in a bipartisan fashion to avoid this reckless and wasteful outcome. Our river communities – and the businesses that depend on them – cannot afford the uncertainty or delay.
Anticipated Impacts on the River Economy and Beyond
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Halts cleanups and inspections at Superfund sites along rivers and watersheds.
- Suspends routine inspections of drinking water systems and hazardous waste facilities, raising risks for communities and industries downstream.
- Pauses State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs for clean and drinking water, as well as brownfield grants critical to riverfront redevelopment.
- Delays Clean Water Act permits and compliance plans, stalling infrastructure projects and private-sector investments, including shutting down laboratories that test water quality samples, undermining timely detection of pollution.
National Park Service (NPS)
- Closes or cuts staffing at national parks and historic sites that anchor river-based tourism economies.
- Shuts down visitor centers, restrooms, and trash collection, leaving river recreation areas unsafe and unwelcoming.
- Delays maintenance on river trails, roads, bridges, and facilities, raising risks of damage or accidents.
- Curtails search-and-rescue and wildfire mitigation in river-adjacent lands.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- Furloughs most non-emergency staff, stalling habitat restoration and riverbank stabilization projects.
- Halts Endangered Species Act consultations and permitting reviews, creating regulatory limbo that hurts both conservation and development planning.
- Suspends wildlife monitoring and refuge management along river corridors.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Suspends coastal and riverine resilience grants, marine debris removal, and estuary water quality monitoring.
- Slows or stops monitoring of harmful algal blooms- critical for drinking water safety and fisheries health.
- Reduces fisheries management and enforcement capacity, hurting river-dependent fishing communities.
- Delays research and mapping that support states and local governments in planning for flood resilience and economic development.
Congress can Keep Government Open and Deliver a Bipartisan Solution
A shutdown doesn’t just freeze time in Washington – it weakens and paralyzes our ability to protect rivers, support clean water, and grow the river economy, which employs hunters, anglers, engineers, construction workers, outfitters, guides, dam operators, and small business owners. Congress must act together to keep the government open and protect the resources and communities that depend on a fully funded and open government.
Urge Congress to protect our rivers and communities.
