Public lands, fruit exports and clean energy funding caught in crossfire
The federal government shutdown is causing significant disruptions in North Central Washington, impacting both public lands management and local fruit exports. U. S. Rep. Kim Schrier warned that prolonged shutdowns will hurt working families and the local economy, emphasizing her opposition to harmful funding bills.
Similar to the previous shutdown in 2018–19, federal services are reduced, with many parks operating under limited capacity. The administration's cancellation of $1 billion in clean energy funding, including projects related to the Pacific Northwest hydrogen hub, raises concerns about job losses and increased family costs. Schrier criticized these cuts as politically motivated, noting that they disproportionately affect states that voted against President Trump in the last election. With 9,296 of the National Park Service's 14,500 staff furloughed, essential services like visitor centers and maintenance will be suspended. The USDA also plans to halt activities on over 193 million acres of Forest Service land across multiple states, creating uncertainty for local forest management.
As the shutdown continues, the potential for economic strain on exporters and public land users becomes increasingly evident.