Bipartisan Coalition Supports Continuation of National Youth Tobacco Survey

Strategic Insights -

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 22 attorneys general, has submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in support of the continuation of the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). The NYTS is an annual study that assesses smoking and vaping among middle and high school students, providing valuable insights into youth tobacco use and emerging nicotine products.

This bipartisan effort is a critical response to the CDC's invitation for public comment on the continuation of the NYTS. The survey has been a vital tool for state attorneys general in their efforts to curb youth tobacco use, and its data has informed and supported critical initiatives, such as the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). The MSA has generated over $171 billion in ongoing payments from tobacco companies to the states since 1998.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) has been a crucial tool for state attorneys general in their efforts to curb youth tobacco use, providing valuable insights into emerging nicotine products and youth tobacco use.
  • The NYTS data has informed and supported critical initiatives, such as the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), which has generated over $171 billion in ongoing payments from tobacco companies to the states since 1998.
  • The bipartisan coalition of 22 attorneys general, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, has submitted a comment letter to the CDC and HHS in support of the continuation of the NYTS.
  • The letter highlights the urgent need to protect the NYTS, given the Trump Administration's recent actions, including the elimination of the Office on Smoking and Health at the CDC.
  • The coalition is committed to supporting efforts to reduce and prevent smoking in the United States, especially among youth, through initiatives like the NYTS and the MSA.

Statistics:

  • The National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) has been conducted annually since [no specific year mentioned in the text].
  • The Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) has generated over $171 billion in ongoing payments from tobacco companies to the states since 1998.
  • The NYTS data has identified a significant increase in youth e-cigarette use, highlighting the need for continued efforts to prevent and reduce tobacco use among youth.
  • The coalition of attorneys general has undertaken various initiatives to limit youth exposure to tobacco and nicotine products, including statewide enforcement of the flavor ban and local flavor ordinances.

Sources:

  • A comment letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) submitted by 22 attorneys general.
  • The Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) between state attorneys general and tobacco companies, signed in 1998.
  • A press release from the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta.