It should be the right of municipal and county governments to respond to the desires of their citizens if they wish to regulate tobacco use beyond that mandated by the state. There is no possible purpose for preemption language beyond the protection of the tobacco companies and interests. The following statement is submitted for adoption to the ALA of Virginia Board of Directors by the Government Relations Committee. Virginians are exposed to ETS in workplaces, restaurants and other public places. The American Lung Association of Virginia is concerned with the health of nonsmokers, especially children.
Nonsmokers have the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air in public places.
These establishments serve adults as well as minors and should provide a clean, safe environment for all. Support funding and development of comprehensive health education programs that focus on tobacco-free schools. Smoke-free policies should include the elimination of smoking near or at all access points to buildings. The following statement is submitted for adoption to the ALA of Virginia Board of Directors by the Government Relations Committee. It is the position of the American Lung Association of Virginia that environmental issues which adversely impact air quality have a significant and long lasting affect on the citizens of the state of Virginia.