Vitale Joins with Pallone for Update on Action to Address E-Cigarette Epidemic

Perth Amboy, NJ – Senator Joe Vitale, the chair of the Senate Health Committee, issued the following statement today after joining with Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. at Raritan Bay Medical Center to get an update on his congressional efforts to address the youth tobacco epidemic:

“While the dangerous consequences of vaping have exploded into the public consciousness as a public health crisis, we must make sure that our response includes ways to address the continuing dangers of all tobacco products, especially those that threaten the health and safety of young people. Vaping confronts us with an immediate challenge, but we also have to do more to reduce the continuing dangers of all tobacco products. We should respond to this challenge in a multi-faceted way, with action at the federal and state levels.

“I commend Congressman Pallone for his plan to harness the power of the federal government, including enforcement of the FDA’s rules and regulations and the actions to counter advertising and marketing aimed at young people.

“I am working at the state level on legislation that addresses gaps in the system when it comes to the access and availability of vaping and tobacco products. Our first order of business is banning the flavored e-cigarettes that are marketed to young people. The bill making its way through the Legislature would ban the sale of tobacco and vape products at pharmacies, and prohibit the use of coupons or discounts to purchase tobacco or vape products. We must also streamlining the licensing system for tobacco and vape retailers in order to crack down on those who sell to customers under age 21 and sell products that are not regulated.

“We know we can be successful in reducing the ill effects of tobacco, but it will take a committed and determined effort.”