Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws
President's order mandates the federal government to cease purchasing and providing paper straws, deeming them environmentally and economically inefficient.
The order also encourages nationwide elimination of paper straw use by addressing relevant policies and collaborating with entities that penalize plastic straw use.
This is presented as a response to a perceived irrational campaign against plastic straws in favor of paper options with unanticipated negative side effects.
Arguments For
- Intended benefits: The order aims to reduce costs, improve functionality compared to paper straws, and address concerns about the environmental impact of paper straw production and disposal.
- Evidence cited: The order cites the non-functionality of paper straws, the use of potentially harmful chemicals in their production, higher production costs than plastic straws, and the frequent plastic wrapping negating any environmental benefits.
- Implementation methods: The order directs federal agencies to eliminate the procurement of paper straws, revoke policies disfavoring plastic straws, and develop a national strategy to end paper straw use.
- Legal/historical basis: The order is based on the President's authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
Arguments Against
- Potential impacts: The order could lead to increased plastic waste if adequate alternatives are not developed and implemented. It may also face challenges with businesses already committed to paper straws.
- Implementation challenges: Federal agencies may face difficulties in swiftly changing procurement practices, coordinating with state and local governments, and achieving nationwide compliance voluntarily. Opposition from environmental groups concerned about increased plastic use is possible.
- Alternative approaches: Instead of banning paper straws entirely, the order could explore initiatives promoting biodegradable or compostable alternatives, improving plastic straw recycling programs, or focusing on reducing overall straw consumption through education and public awareness campaigns.
- Unintended effects: Increased reliance on plastic straws may negate environmental benefits and potentially increase pollution. A rapid shift might strain supply chains for plastic straws, leading to price increases or shortages.
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Policy. An irrational campaign against plastic straws has resulted in major cities, States, and businesses banning the use or automatic inclusion of plastic straws with beverages. Plastic straws are often replaced by paper straws, which are nonfunctional, use chemicals that may carry risks to human health, are more expensive to produce than plastic straws, and often force users to use multiple straws. Additionally, paper straws sometimes come individually wrapped in plastic, undermining the environmental argument for their use.
It is therefore the policy of the United States to end the use of paper straws.
This section establishes the presidential order's central policy: to eliminate the use of paper straws.
It justifies this policy by highlighting the perceived failures of paper straws as replacements for plastic straws, citing their inefficiency, potential health risks, higher cost, and often contradictory environmental impact due to plastic wrapping.
Sec. 2. Purchases of Paper Straws by the Federal Government. (a) The heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall take all appropriate action to eliminate the procurement of paper straws and otherwise ensure that paper straws are no longer provided within agency buildings. (b) Agencies shall take appropriate action to eliminate policies designed to disfavor plastic straws issued to further Executive Order 14057 of December 8, 2021 (Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability), which I revoked on January 20, 2025. (c) Within 45 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, in coordination with relevant agencies, shall issue a National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws. This strategy shall address: (i) The elimination of all policies within the executive branch designed to disfavor plastic straws; (ii) Contract policies and terms with entities, including States, that ban or penalize plastic straw purchase or use; and (iii) All other available tools to achieve the policy of this order nationwide.
This section details the federal government's actions regarding paper straws.
Subsection (a) directs federal agencies to stop procuring paper straws.
Subsection (b) mandates the removal of policies that favor alternatives to plastic straws and revokes Executive Order 14057 that was focused on sustainability.
Subsection (c) instructs the creation of a national strategy to end paper straw use within 45 days, outlining specific objectives such as eliminating policies against plastic straws, negotiating with entities banning plastic straws, and exploring further measures for nationwide implementation.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
This section includes general provisions.
Subsection (a) clarifies that the order doesn't restrict existing authorities of executive departments and agencies or the budget director.
Subsection (b) ensures compliance with current legislation and budget approval.
Subsection (c) states that this order does not create new legal rights or benefits.