A report from the American Lung Association has highlighted the need for stronger tobacco control policies in the District of Columbia. The 2025 "State of Tobacco Control" report evaluates both state and federal efforts to combat tobacco use, urging local policymakers to enforce laws that remove flavored tobacco products from the market. The report aims to reduce the significant human and financial impact of tobacco use.
The report assigns grades to states and the District of Columbia across five areas known to effectively prevent and reduce tobacco consumption. Aleks Casper, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in the District of Columbia, stated, “In addition to grading the District’s tobacco control policies, this year’s ‘State of Tobacco Control’ report examines the tobacco industry’s increasingly aggressive actions to addict a new generation to tobacco and hinder proven public policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use. Here in the District, we are seeing tobacco industry lobbyists at the local level working to stop or weaken proven tobacco control policies.”
Casper also noted that “the tobacco industry is introducing new products that appeal to youth like e-cigarettes that mimic smartphones, kid-friendly flavors and flavored nicotine pouches that are heavily marketed by social media influencers.” For 2025, Casper emphasized that policymakers must focus on enforcing existing laws against flavored tobacco products and fund prevention programs as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The District has passed legislation prohibiting flavored tobacco sales. The next step involves ensuring effective implementation and oversight by a designated agency within the District.
On a federal level, the report urges Congress to allocate more funds for the FDA's enforcement against illegal e-cigarettes introduced by the industry. Further information on this year's grades can be found at Lung.org/sotc.
The state grades reflect legislative actions rather than evaluating state program efforts or advocacy work.
