BREAKING NEWS

John,

We have great news to share: The U.S. Supreme Court today denied a request by R.J. Reynolds and other tobacco interests for an emergency injunction to block implementation of California’s law ending the sale of most flavored tobacco products – a law that was overwhelmingly approved by state lawmakers in 2020 and upheld in November by 64% of the state’s voters.

A major victory

This decision is a major victory for kids and public health and will allow this lifesaving law to take effect later this month. The decision is a rejection of desperate efforts by Reynolds and other companies to further delay the law so they can continue to target kids, Black Americans and other communities with flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.

Our role

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids worked tirelessly with our California partners to pass this law. And we led 23 organizations in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court urging rejection of Reynolds’ request for an emergency injunction – and we prevailed!

The California law was passed in response to the clear evidence that flavored products have fueled the youth e-cigarette epidemic and the tobacco industry’s continued, predatory targeting of Black and other communities, especially kids.

Big Tobacco's lawsuit was aimed at protecting their profits no matter the cost

The tobacco companies’ battle against the California law shows once again that they haven’t changed and are lying when they claim to care about anything other than their bottom line. Reynolds and other companies will stop at nothing, including overriding the will of the voters, to continue targeting children and vulnerable communities with flavored products.

The threat remains, so we must stay vigilant

Today's decision is about Big Tobacco's request to halt implementation of California's law and does not decide the merits of their argument. So the Supreme Court may still decide to hear their case.

But we know Big Tobacco's argument has no real basis. And every federal court that has considered this issue has held that states and localities are permitted to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products.

Policymakers at every level must stand up to the tobacco industry’s bullying and take action to protect kids and save lives. Our staff across the country are fighting to make sure they do.

As the Supreme Court considers whether to take up Big Tobacco's case, our legal team will be at the forefront of the fight to make sure this predatory industry doesn't prevail.

You can support this critical work by making a contribution today >>

As always, thanks for standing with us.  Learn more about this case on our website.

Sincerely,

Matt Myers
President
 

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
1400 I St NW, Ste 1200
Washington, District of Columbia xxxxxx
202-296-5469 | [email protected]

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