Summary
Stops the government from buying paper straws and gets rid of rules that favor them over plastic straws.
What problem does this solve?
The government believes paper straws are bad for several reasons, including being poorly made, possibly unhealthy, and not truly good for the planet. This order stops the government from buying paper straws and creates a plan to end their use across the country.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government agencies and employees
- Government contractors and suppliers
What does this order do?
Reference
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Section:
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Purchases of Paper Straws by the Federal Government.
Eliminates federal purchase of paper straws
Requires all federal departments and agencies to stop buying paper straws and to make sure they are no longer given out in agency buildings.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Purchases of Paper Straws by the Federal Government.
Creates a national strategy to end paper straw use
Orders the creation of a national plan to stop the use of paper straws. The plan will address government policies, contracts, and other ways to end paper straw use nationwide.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Purchases of Paper Straws by the Federal Government.
Removes policies that disfavor plastic straws
Directs agencies to get rid of any rules or policies that were designed to discourage the use of plastic straws, particularly those created under a now-revoked executive order.
What is the real world impact?
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Reverses previous environmental policies
Directly cancels policies that discouraged the use of plastic straws, which were put in place by a previous executive order focused on federal sustainability.
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Prioritizes function and cost over plastic reduction
Argues that paper straws are nonfunctional and more expensive, suggesting that the practical benefits of plastic straws outweigh the environmental goals of reducing single-use plastics.
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Makes a political statement against certain environmental campaigns
Frames the movement against plastic straws as an 'irrational campaign,' using the power of the executive branch to push back against specific environmental initiatives.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on February 10, 2025, and sets a deadline for creating a new national strategy.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Purchases of Paper Straws by the Federal Government.
National strategy to end paper straw use
A national plan to stop the use of paper straws must be created and shared within 45 days of the order, by March 27, 2025.