April 2016

ATS Executive Stephen C. Crane joined CEOs from over 30 medical and public health organizations in a strongly worded letter to President Obama asking for immediate action to finalize the Food and Drug Administration's rule to deem regulatory authority over cigars, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.  

In 2009 Congress passed and President Obama enacted legislation that gave FDA immediate authority to regulate cigarettes and established the process by which FDA could exert authority over other tobacco products like cigars and e-cigarettes.  As noted in the letter, for over five years, the FDA and the Obama Administration have consistently said they intended to regulate cigars and e-cigarettes.  Two years ago, the FDA issued proposed rules to regulate both products.  Months ago, a final set of tobacco regulations were sent from the FDA to the White House for final sign-off.  Despite all the bureaucratic steps that have been completed, the Obama Administration has failed  to finalize the regulations. 

The delay means real harm to patients and families in the U.S.  Just this week, CDC announced that over the past 4 years there has been a 10-fold increase in teen e-cigarette use in the U.S. – setting millions of American children on a path toward life-long nicotine addiction. Cigar use in high-school boys (10.8%) now mirrors cigarette use (10.6%).  This data makes clear the need for urgent action by the FDA and the Obama Administration.

The ATS will continue to demand that the FDA and the Obama Administration finalize a strong rule on cigars and e-cigarettes.