Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Rescinds Useless Water Pressure Standards

5/9/2025

Fact Sheets

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Memorandum Overview: President Trump signed a memorandum to rescind restrictive water pressure and efficiency standards affecting household appliances.
Immediate Directives:
- Direct the Secretary of Energy to review and rescind (or revert to statutory minimum) water use rules for showerheads, faucets, dishwashers, toilets, urinals, and washing machines.
- Issue a notice in the Federal Register clarifying the scope of federal preemption of state water use rules for specific appliances.
- Pause enforcement of the impacted rules until they are either rescinded or revised.
- Coordinate with the Office of Legislative Affairs to advise Congress on potential repeal or amendments to water pressure/energy efficiency laws, including the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Consumer Impact:
- Addresses issues where water conservation requirements have led to less effective appliances, increased repair costs, and higher initial prices.
- Highlights examples such as ultra-efficient washing machines costing at least $100 more and updated dishwasher regulations increasing cycle times.
Broader Policy Context:
- Emphasizes restoring consumer choice and affordability by reducing federal regulations that increase costs and limit functionality.
- Builds on previous actions, including a Day One Executive Order and memorandum aimed at eliminating counterproductive appliance rules.

The rescinding of water pressure and efficiency standards could lead to increased water usage, which may conflict with sustainability goals and environmental conservation efforts. This could impact Vanderbilt University’s sustainability initiatives and its commitment to reducing environmental footprints.
Changes in federal preemption of state rules for water use could create a patchwork of regulations across states, complicating compliance for institutions operating in multiple jurisdictions, including Vanderbilt University.
The potential repeal or amendment of energy efficiency laws, such as the Energy Policy Act of 1992, could affect research funding and projects related to energy conservation and sustainability at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt may need to reassess its procurement policies for appliances and fixtures to align with new federal standards, potentially impacting operational costs and sustainability practices.

Vanderbilt’s Sustainability and Environmental Management Office (SEMO) may need to adjust its strategies and initiatives to accommodate changes in water and energy efficiency standards.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could see shifts in research focus and funding opportunities related to energy efficiency and conservation policies.
Facilities Management at Vanderbilt might need to review and potentially update infrastructure and appliance procurement to ensure compliance with revised federal standards.
The Law School could explore new areas of research and education related to the legal implications of changes in federal and state energy and water regulations.

The removal of efficiency standards could lead to increased operational costs for Vanderbilt due to higher water and energy consumption, affecting budget allocations for utilities and sustainability projects.
Changes in appliance standards may necessitate additional investments in infrastructure upgrades or replacements to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.
Potential shifts in federal funding priorities could impact grants and research opportunities related to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Vanderbilt may need to allocate resources to monitor and adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance and alignment with institutional sustainability goals.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and sustainability considerations.)

Vanderbilt’s Facilities Department should assess the impact of rescinded water pressure and efficiency standards on campus operations. This includes evaluating potential cost savings or increases in utility expenses and maintenance for campus facilities.
The Office of Sustainability should review the implications of these changes on Vanderbilt’s sustainability goals. Adjustments may be needed to align with the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship while considering the new federal guidelines.
Vanderbilt’s Legal and Compliance Office should monitor any changes in state regulations that may arise due to federal preemption of water use rules. Ensuring compliance with both federal and state laws will be crucial to avoid potential legal challenges.
The Department of Environmental Engineering could explore research opportunities related to the impact of these regulatory changes on water conservation and appliance efficiency. This research could contribute to policy discussions and innovation in sustainable practices.

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to study the long-term effects of reduced water efficiency standards on consumer behavior and environmental impact. This research could position Vanderbilt as a leader in understanding the balance between regulation and consumer choice.
Vanderbilt’s Business School could develop case studies on the economic implications of deregulation in the appliance industry. These studies could provide valuable insights for students and industry stakeholders on the intersection of policy and market dynamics.
By engaging with policymakers and industry leaders, Vanderbilt can influence future discussions on energy efficiency and consumer choice. Hosting forums or workshops on these topics could enhance the university’s role as a thought leader in sustainable policy development.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with changes in federal water efficiency standards.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

N/A – There is no explicit timeline or deadline mentioned in the memorandum for when the directives must be implemented.

Relevance Score: 1

Department of Energy (DOE): The memorandum directs the DOE to review and rescind or revert existing water and efficiency rules, pause enforcement, and publish a notice in the Federal Register regarding federal preemption of state rules.
Office of Legislative Affairs: The memorandum instructs collaboration by working with the Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs to advise Congress on any amendments or repeals needed in water pressure or efficiency laws.
United States Congress: Congress is targeted for potential legislative changes, as recommendations for repealing or amending water pressure or energy efficiency laws are to be made.

Relevance Score: 2 (A small number of Federal Agencies are impacted by the memorandum.)

Secretary of Energy – Tasked with reviewing, rescinding, and modifying water pressure and efficiency rules; this is a Cabinet level appointment.
Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs – Assigned to work with the Secretary of Energy to advise Congress on potential legislative changes.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact a Cabinet official and a high-level director with significant regulatory responsibilities.)