Skip to main content

DeGette Statement on FDA’s Proposed Regulations for E-Cigarettes

April 24, 2014

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) issued the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new rules to partially extend its authority to the growing e-cigarette industry. The proposed rules would ban the sale of e-cigarettes, pipe tobacco, and cigars to individuals under 18 years old. Additionally, individuals purchasing these products would be required to confirm their age by presenting photo identification. Some states have already put similar measures in place in the absence of earlier FDA intervention.

"Knowing how serious the health consequences for tobacco use can be, we must hold new nicotine products to high scrutiny," said Rep. DeGette. "I am pleased to see the FDA begin to take some steps to regulate these products, but this step must be a first one. We have seen generations of smokers live with a lifetime of health problems after they became hooked at a young age, and we cannot allow today's marketers to do the same thing to kids now. I will continue to work with Congresswoman Esty and others to stop e-cigarette marketing that targets minors."

In March, DeGette joined Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) in introducing H.R. 4325, the Protecting Children from Electronic Cigarette Advertising Act, which would prohibit the advertising of e-cigarettes to minors.