A recent report from the American Lung Association is calling on Virginia lawmakers to enact legislation that would permanently repeal the tobacco surcharge and address loopholes in the Clean Indoor Air Act. The aim is to protect Virginians from secondhand smoke exposure and reduce the human and financial toll of tobacco use. The 2025 "State of Tobacco Control" report evaluates state and federal policies on efforts to eliminate tobacco use, recommending effective laws and policies.
The report grades states, including Virginia, in five areas proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use. With an adult smoking rate of 10.9% and a high school tobacco use rate of 8.5%, Virginia faces a pressing need for stronger measures against tobacco use. Aleks Casper, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Virginia, stated, "In addition to grading states' tobacco control policies, this year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report examines the tobacco industry’s increasingly aggressive actions to addict a new generation to tobacco and hinder proven public policies."
Casper highlighted the activities of tobacco industry lobbyists working at the state level to weaken control policies. He noted that new products appealing to youth, such as e-cigarettes mimicking smartphones and flavored nicotine pouches marketed by social media influencers, are being introduced. Casper emphasized that policymakers must act in 2025 by making the surcharge repeal permanent and closing loopholes in Virginia's Clean Indoor Air Act through comprehensive smokefree legislation.
The report also grades federal government efforts in five areas related to tobacco control. It urges Congress to increase funding for the FDA so it can enforce regulations against illegal e-cigarettes introduced by the industry.
For more information about this year's "State of Tobacco Control" grades or to sign a petition, visit Lung.org/sotc.
