Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement on news that California Governor Newsom signed an executive order to confront youth e-cigarette use and recent illnesses associated with vaping:

            “I welcome Governor Newsom’s executive order to combat the dangers of vaping by educating the public about the health risks. Too many children are using e-cigarettes, and now we’re seeing hundreds of cases of lung illness associated with these products, including at least seven deaths nationwide. More must be done to curtail underage and improper use.

            “California has more than 60 cases of serious lung illness and two deaths associated with e-cigarette use. The public must be warned about the health risks these products pose, regardless of age. These e-cigarettes are not safe and should not be considered as such.

            “I also support Governor Newsom’s call for a state ban on flavored e-cigarettes and encourage California lawmakers to send him a bill next session. We must confront the public health risks of e-cigarettes before more children become addicted and more lives are lost.”

Background

• Governor Newsom’s order calls for a $20 million marketing campaign to educate the public about the health risks of vaping and directs the California Department of Public Health to recommend actions that prevent underage children from purchasing vaping products and create standards for nicotine content on e-cigarette packaging.  The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is also ordered to develop recommendations to remove illegal and counterfeit vaping products from stores.

• Earlier this year, Senator Feinstein introduced the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act. This bipartisan bill would prevent online sales of electronic cigarettes to minors by applying the same safeguards already in place for regular cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.

• Feinstein is also a cosponsor of the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids (SAFE Kids) Act, a bill introduced by Senator Durbin (D-Ill.) to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes.