Gov. Snyder Vetoes Bills On E-Cigarette Regulation
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has vetoed bills that would prohibit e-cigarettes from being regulated as tobacco products under Michigan law.
Snyder said Michigan shouldn't step on the toes of the federal government, which has proposed regulating e-cigarettes. He said it would "sow confusion" and send a "mixed health message" to the public.
Snyder said Friday he vetoed three bills passed months ago by the Legislature. The legislation would have prohibited the use of e-cigarettes by people under age 18 and also declared they aren't tobacco products.
The governor says he's in favor of age restrictions but also wants e-cigarettes treated as tobacco products.
"We need to make sure that e-cigarettes and other nicotine-containing devices are regulated in the best interest of public health," Snyder said, in a media release. "It's important that these devices be treated like tobacco products and help people become aware of the dangers e-cigarettes pose."
The devices heat a nicotine solution to produce an odorless vapor.
Jennifer Hunt, vice president of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, praised the governor's action, saying the vetoes will work toward preventing a new generation from being addicted to dangerous tobacco and nicotine products.
"Special treatment for electronic cigarettes may hook a new generation of tobacco users," Hunt said. "It is unclear why creation of a separate definition for 'vapor product' is necessary. We believe that Michigan can prohibit the sale of these products to minors without undermining existing tobacco-control laws."
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