Many government scientists are barred from doing research or professional activities while the government is shut down.

"The U.S. House will take up climate legislation, including a measure based on a bill the body approved last time Democrats were in the majority, said Speaker Nancy Pelosi."

"The National Park Service will take the unprecedented step of tapping entrance fees to pay for expanded operations at its most popular sites, officials said Sunday, as the federal government shutdown threatens to degrade some of the nation’s iconic landmarks."

"The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold its first hearing under the chamber’s new Democratic majority on climate change."

"A trio of public interest groups have lodged a protest against a proposed Department of Energy rule to designate critical electric infrastructure.

The rule proposed in October laid out how DOE would employ its authority to designate critical electric infrastructure under the Federal Power Act.

"Each year, several thousand weather forecasters, researchers and climate scientists from all over the world gather for the American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting to exchange ideas to improve weather prediction and understanding of climate change. This year, due to the partial federal government shutdown, hundreds of scientists will not attend the conference set to begin this weekend in Phoenix."

"The Senate last night [Wednesday] approved a series of energy and environment nominees by voice vote in the final full day of the 115th Congress."

"The Justice Department’s public integrity section is examining whether newly departed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke lied to his agency’s inspector general investigators, according to three people familiar with the matter, a potential criminal violation that would exacerbate Zinke’s legal woes.

"Democrats put climate change back on the forefront of their governing agenda Thursday, portraying the issue as an "existential threat" even as the caucus remains split over how forcefully to respond."

"Alexandra Dunn was confirmed by the Senate Jan. 2 to lead the EPA’s chemicals office."