FPPOProposed Rule

Federal Acquisition Regulation: Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws

EnvironmentOther

Summary

The federal government is proposing to stop requiring paper straws in government purchases and to end any mandates that force their use. This rule would give federal agencies and contractors more flexibility in choosing what types of straws to buy instead of being locked into paper options.

Key Points

  • 1Federal agencies would no longer be required to purchase or use paper straws in government buildings, cafeterias, and events
  • 2Contractors working with the federal government would have the freedom to choose between paper, plastic, metal, or other straw options based on cost and practicality
  • 3The change applies to all federal procurement (government purchasing) decisions, affecting millions of dollars in annual government spending
  • 4Public comment period runs until September 20, 2025, allowing businesses, environmental groups, and citizens to share their views before the rule becomes final
  • 5This reverses previous policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics and environmental waste in federal operations

Key Dates

Published

July 21, 2025

Comment Deadline

September 20, 2025

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This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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