WASHINGTON, D.C. — An irresponsible and unnecessary government shutdown will undermine the ongoing, critical work to address the immense and interconnected crises facing people and wildlife alike.  

“Shutting down the critical work of our federal agencies in an attempt to renegotiate agreed-upon funding levels and pass unpopular, extreme policies is more than irresponsible governing; it’s dangerous and cruel,” said Abby Tinsley, vice president of conservation policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “The impacts of the shutdown will range from delays in needed restoration of our refuges and parks to gaps in critical monitoring of pollutants in our communities and delayed federal disaster relief. Local communities, hard-working families, and wildlife do not have time to waste on selfish stunts.”