Attorney General Tong Leads Bipartisan Coalition in Support of National Youth Tobacco Survey

Strategic Insights -

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has led a bipartisan coalition of 22 states in submitting a comment letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Health and Human Services in support of continuing the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). The survey provides valuable insight into youth tobacco use and emerging products, shaping efforts to curb youth tobacco use for over two decades. The letter highlights the bipartisan work of attorneys general nationwide to address youth exposure to tobacco and nicotine products. The survey's data has informed and supported critical efforts, including the 1998 tobacco settlement, which generated over $171 billion in ongoing payments from tobacco companies to the states.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) has provided valuable insight into youth tobacco use and emerging products for over two decades, shaping efforts to curb youth tobacco use.
  • The survey is an annual study assessing the use of smoking and vaping among middle and high school students, providing comprehensive data and insights into youth tobacco use.
  • The NYTS has been instrumental in informing and supporting critical efforts, including the 1998 tobacco settlement, which has generated over $171 billion in ongoing payments from tobacco companies to the states.
  • The settlement bars the tobacco companies from misleading the public regarding the negative health impacts of tobacco use and requires the Attorneys General and the tobacco companies to meet every three years to coordinate efforts to reduce youth tobacco use.
  • Attorney General William Tong led 34 states and territories in reaching a $438.5 million agreement with JUUL Labs in 2022, resolving a two-year bipartisan investigation into the e-cigarette manufacturer's marketing and sales practices.
  • The agreement forced JUUL to comply with a series of strict injunctive terms severely limiting their marketing and sales practices.
  • Connecticut's Attorney General Tong also served civil investigative demands on 12 smoke shops and convenience stores in January 2025 as part of a coordinated effort to crack down on bootleg nicotine products.

Statistics:

  • Over $171 billion: The amount generated from the 1998 tobacco settlement in ongoing payments from tobacco companies to the states.
  • $438.5 million: The amount reached in the 2022 agreement with JUUL Labs, resolving a two-year bipartisan investigation into the e-cigarette manufacturer's marketing and sales practices.
  • 22 states: The number of states that submitted a comment letter in support of continuing the National Youth Tobacco Survey.
  • 34 states and territories: The number of states and territories that reached an agreement with JUUL Labs in 2022.
  • 12: The number of Connecticut smoke shops and convenience stores served with civil investigative demands in January 2025.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • 1998 Tobacco Settlement
  • Attorney General William Tong's press release, August 15, 2025
  • "Attorney General Tong Leads Bipartisan Letter to CDC and HHS in Support of National Youth Tobacco Survey" (Original text: https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2025-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-leads-bipartisan-letter-to-cdc-and-hhs-in-support)