Save Lives, Not Tobacco

The Coalition for Accountability

Statement of Principles

We are a coalition of public health, consumer, medical, civic, labor and business organizations that advocates fair and effective tobacco control policies at local, state and national levels. We support measures that will reduce addiction, disease, disability and death caused by tobacco products. We believe that granting special protection to the tobacco industry is unjust and would undercut the ability to protect public health.

PRINCIPLES FOR FAIR AND EFFECTIVE TOBACCO CONTROL

DOCUMENT DISCLOSURE. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of tobacco control measures, all documents that bear on public health or tobacco industry misconduct, including those claimed to be privileged, should be disclosed before Congress takes action. This includes information regarding nicotine and additives, environmental tobacco smoke, fire-safe cigarettes, public relations and marketing campaigns.

FULL REGULATORY AUTHORITY. The Food and Drug Administration must continue, without constraints, to have full authority to regulate the manufacture, sale, distribution, and marketing of all tobacco products and other nicotine delivery devices. The FDA must have adequate resources to fulfill its responsibility.

STATE AND LOCAL CONTROL. Existing law and proposed legislation regulating tobacco products should contain unambiguous anti- preemption provisions, expressly clarifying that higher standards of public health protection may be imposed by state and local governments.

FAIRNESS TO TAXPAYERS. Taxpayers should not subsidize the tobacco industry. Anti-trust exemptions should not be granted to the tobacco industry.

TOBACCO COMPANY ACCOUNTABILITY. Congress must preserve all currently available avenues for citizens, governments and others to pursue justice against the tobacco industry, including the ability to bring class actions, use all lawful means to join cases, and seek punitive damages. Tobacco executives, lawyers and agents must not be shielded from civil or criminal liability. The civil justice system's ability to address industry misconduct and protect public health must not be preempted.