Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Makes America’s Showers Great Again
4/9/2025
Action Summary
- Policy Intent: Roll back Obama-Biden era regulations on showerheads, restoring the simple 2.5-gallons-per-minute standard from the 1992 energy law.
- Regulation Rescission: Directs the Secretary of Energy to rescind the overly complicated federal rule, including a 13,000-word definition of “showerhead,” replacing it with a concise definition.
- Economic and Bureaucratic Critique: Argues that overregulation stifles the economy, empowers bureaucrats, and limits personal freedom by turning basic household items into bureaucratic nightmares.
- Broader Implications: Highlights similar regulatory rollbacks for everyday appliances beyond showerheads, such as gas stoves, water heaters, washing machines, furnaces, and dishwashers.
- Commitment to Deregulation: Reinforces President Trump’s pledge to eliminate unnecessary regulations, reduce red tape across federal agencies, and counter what is described as a radical green agenda.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order to rescind regulations on showerheads and other appliances may lead to increased water usage, which could have environmental impacts. This could conflict with sustainability initiatives that Vanderbilt University may support or be involved in.
- By rolling back regulations, there is a potential risk of increased operational costs for facilities management at Vanderbilt due to higher water consumption and potential inefficiencies in appliance performance.
- The emphasis on deregulation could influence broader policy changes that affect research funding, particularly in areas related to environmental science and sustainability, which may impact Vanderbilt’s research programs and priorities.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes align with its own sustainability goals and the expectations of its community, including students, faculty, and stakeholders who may prioritize environmental responsibility.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science and Sustainability Programs may face challenges in aligning their research and educational objectives with federal policies that prioritize deregulation over environmental protection.
- The Facilities Management Department might need to reassess its strategies for water and energy efficiency in campus operations, potentially requiring adjustments to meet both regulatory and institutional sustainability goals.
- Research Centers focused on Environmental Policy may need to adapt their focus to address the implications of deregulation and its impact on environmental standards and practices.
Financial Impact
- The deregulation of appliances could lead to increased utility costs for Vanderbilt University if water and energy consumption rise as a result of less efficient appliances.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research into the impacts of deregulation on environmental and economic outcomes, potentially collaborating with federal agencies or private sector partners interested in these areas.
- Changes in federal policy could influence the availability of grants and funding for sustainability initiatives, requiring Vanderbilt to adjust its funding strategies and partnerships accordingly.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on sustainability initiatives.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Facilities Management should review current water usage policies and infrastructure to ensure compliance with the new federal standards on showerheads and other appliances. This may involve assessing the impact of these changes on campus facilities and making necessary adjustments to align with the revised regulations.
- The Office of Sustainability should evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the executive order and consider strategies to maintain sustainability goals despite the rollback of certain regulations. This could include promoting water conservation practices and educating the campus community on responsible water usage.
- Vanderbilt’s Legal and Compliance Office should monitor any further regulatory changes related to household appliances and ensure that the university remains compliant with federal guidelines. This may involve updating procurement policies to reflect the new standards.
- The Department of Environmental Engineering could explore research opportunities related to the effects of deregulation on water usage and appliance efficiency. This research could contribute to broader discussions on balancing regulatory freedom with environmental responsibility.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to innovate in the design and development of water-efficient technologies. By leveraging expertise in engineering and sustainability, the school can contribute to creating solutions that align with both regulatory freedom and environmental stewardship.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the deregulation by partnering with industry leaders to test and implement new appliance technologies on campus. This could enhance the university’s reputation as a leader in sustainable innovation and provide students with hands-on learning experiences.
- The emphasis on reducing regulatory burdens offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By examining the broader implications of deregulation, the department can provide insights into effective policy-making that balances economic growth with environmental protection.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with the new federal standards and maintain sustainability goals.)
Timeline for Implementation
Immediate rescission of the designated federal rule is directed, with no additional delay.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Energy (DOE): The Executive Order directs the Secretary of Energy to rescind the extensive federal rule redefining “showerhead,” thereby impacting the agency responsible for federal energy regulations and standards.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only one Federal Agency is directly impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Energy – Responsible for immediately rescinding the complicated federal rule redefining “showerhead” as directed by the Executive Order.
Relevance Score: 4 (The directive affects an agency head, as it targets the Secretary of Energy for policy rollback.)