Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ends the Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws

February 10, 2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Executive Order on Paper Straws: President Trump signed an order ending the forced procurement and use of paper straws by the Federal government, prohibiting their use in Federal buildings.
National Strategy Development: A National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws will be developed within 45 days to address the nationwide issue.
Critique of Paper Straw Use: The Order highlights concerns over paper straws, including the use of chemicals (PFAS), higher costs, environmental footprints, and the impracticality of relying on them compared to plastic straws.
Political and Ideological Contrast: The measure is positioned as a return to common sense, criticizing previous bans on plastic straws and contrasting current policies with what is described as wasteful spending on symbolic initiatives by the prior Administration.
Environmental and Economic Commitments: President Trump emphasizes promoting a clean and healthy environment while fostering economic growth, improved forest management to prevent wildfires, and enhancing protection for waters and oceans through measures like the Save Our Seas Act.
Energy Independence: The Order reaffirms commitments to securing American energy independence through the use of domestic clean coal and natural gas, and halting the expansion of windmills due to their negative impact on wildlife.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order to end the procurement and forced use of paper straws may have minimal direct impact on Vanderbilt University, as it primarily affects federal buildings and procurement policies.
However, the broader implications of this policy could influence public perception and environmental policies at the state and local levels, potentially affecting university sustainability initiatives.
The emphasis on promoting a clean and healthy environment through alternative means, such as improved forest management and energy independence, may align with Vanderbilt’s own sustainability goals, offering opportunities for collaboration or research.
There is a potential risk that the shift away from paper straws could lead to increased scrutiny of other environmental initiatives, which may impact the university’s environmental policies and practices.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program may find opportunities to engage in research or policy analysis related to the environmental impacts of different materials and energy sources.
The Office of Sustainability at Vanderbilt might need to reassess its strategies and communication efforts to align with changing public and governmental attitudes towards environmental conservation.
Vanderbilt’s Research Centers focusing on environmental science and policy could explore partnerships with federal agencies to study the impacts of alternative environmental policies.

Financial Impact

The financial impact on Vanderbilt University is likely minimal, as the Executive Order does not directly affect university funding or operations.
There may be opportunities for research funding related to environmental policy and sustainability, particularly if federal priorities shift towards alternative conservation strategies.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the potential costs associated with adjusting its sustainability initiatives to align with new federal policies and public expectations.

Relevance Score: 2 (Minor considerations for the university to address, primarily in the realm of sustainability and public perception.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Sustainability and Environmental Management Office should evaluate the implications of the executive order on the university’s sustainability initiatives. This includes assessing the environmental impact of current practices and exploring alternatives to paper straws that align with the university’s commitment to sustainability.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in federal environmental policies to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for Vanderbilt to contribute to national discussions on sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
Vanderbilt’s Research Centers focused on environmental science and policy should consider conducting studies on the environmental and health impacts of different straw materials. This research could position Vanderbilt as a leader in providing evidence-based recommendations for sustainable practices.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Environmental Law and Policy Program to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing insights into the legal and environmental implications of such orders, the program can influence future policy decisions and promote sustainable practices.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on environmental conservation by developing partnerships with federal agencies and other institutions to advance research and innovation in sustainable materials and practices.
The emphasis on promoting a clean and healthy environment aligns with Vanderbilt’s mission to foster a sustainable campus. The university can enhance its reputation by showcasing its efforts and achievements in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to align Vanderbilt’s sustainability initiatives with the new federal environmental policies.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

Timeline for Implementation

45-day deadline for developing the National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws, starting from the issuance of the Order on February 10, 2025.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

Federal Government Agencies: This Executive Order directs all federal agencies involved in procurement and facility management to cease purchasing and distributing paper straws in federal buildings.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only a single overarching group, Federal Government Agencies, is explicitly impacted by this directive.)

Responsible Officials

Heads of Federal Agencies – Responsible for overseeing the cessation of paper straw procurement and ensuring that Federal buildings no longer supply them.
Federal Procurement Officials – Tasked with executing the directive to stop purchasing paper straws and supporting the development of a National Strategy within 45 days.

Relevance Score: 4 (The directives require action from agency heads and procurement leaders, who have significant managerial and policy enforcement roles.)