As the federal government teeters on the edge of a shutdown this Tuesday, a deeper political strategy may be unfolding behind the scenes—one that could redefine the role of federal agencies and reshape the balance of power in Washington. For Coloradans, the implications are far-reaching, touching everything from environmental oversight to public lands management and local economic stability.

The Administrative State: What’s at Stake

The “administrative state” refers to the constellation of federal agencies—like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services—that create and enforce regulations, often with limited direct oversight from Congress. These agencies are staffed by career civil servants and experts, and they play a critical role in implementing laws, managing programs, and enforcing standards.

Critics, particularly within the current administration, argue that this system concentrates too much power in unelected hands. They view the administrative state as a bureaucratic obstacle to presidential authority and economic freedom. Supporters counter that these agencies are essential for modern governance, providing expertise and continuity across political cycles.

How a Shutdown Could Accelerate Its Dismantling

A government shutdown doesn’t just freeze services—it reshuffles priorities. During a shutdown, the White House has broad discretion to determine which functions are “essential” and which can be suspended. This creates an opportunity to selectively furlough or defund agencies that don’t align with the president’s agenda.

According to recent reporting, the Office of Management and Budget has instructed agencies to prepare for “reduction in force” plans targeting programs deemed inconsistent with White House priorities. This could include environmental enforcement, civil rights investigations, and regulatory compliance efforts—areas often administered by agencies viewed as pillars of the administrative state.

Moreover, contingency planning has been decentralized, making it harder for watchdogs and the public to track which agencies are being targeted. This opacity could allow the executive branch to quietly weaken regulatory infrastructure under the guise of fiscal necessity.

Why the White House Might Want This

The current administration has long signaled its intent to “deconstruct the administrative state.” A shutdown provides a rare moment of leverage: with Congress gridlocked and public attention focused on immediate disruptions, the executive branch can act unilaterally to reshape federal operations.

Key motivations include:

– Consolidating Executive Power: By sidelining agencies, the White House can centralize decision-making and reduce institutional resistance.
– Advancing Deregulatory Goals: Suspending enforcement mechanisms allows industries to operate with fewer constraints, aligning with pro-business objectives.
– Restructuring Federal Workforce: A prolonged shutdown could justify layoffs or reorganizations that would otherwise face legal and political hurdles.

Why This Matters to Colorado

Colorado is uniquely vulnerable to shifts in federal agency operations:

– Public Lands and Environmental Oversight: Agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and the EPA play a critical role in managing Colorado’s natural resources. A shutdown could halt inspections, delay permits, and weaken protections.
– Military and Federal Employment: Colorado Springs hosts multiple military installations and federal offices. Furloughs and pay suspensions would ripple through the local economy.
– Education and Health Services: Federal grants and regulatory guidance support state programs in education, healthcare, and housing. Interruptions could stall progress and create administrative chaos.

For Coloradans, the administrative state isn’t an abstract concept—it’s the infrastructure behind clean air, safe drinking water, wildfire response, and economic stability. Its dismantling, whether deliberate or incidental, would be felt in classrooms, clinics, and communities across the state.