About Altria Moving Beyond Smoking Responsibility Investors People & Careers Media Public Policy Positions Altria's commitment to our Vision means engaging actively and responsibly with policy makers at all levels of government. We engage to share who we are, where we are headed, and the vital role legislation and regulation play in shaping the future of our industry. Participating in the democratic process is vital to our business and to the many stakeholders with an interest in transforming this industry for the better – including our shareholders, employees, business partners, communities, and adult consumers. What We Believe Altria's Vision sets the direction for all our legislative efforts. For us, Moving Beyond Smoking means advocating for a harm reduction future where the entire industry is operating within science-based federal regulation, where underage tobacco use continues to decline, and where adult smokers who don't quit are transitioning to FDA-authorized less harmful products. Transformational changes in recent years have made this future more possible than ever. Today we see - Generational lows in underage use of all traditional tobacco products. A national minimum age of 21 driving underage use down further for all product categories. Scientists agreeing that while nicotine is addictive, it’s smoke that causes most tobacco-related harm. Manufacturers innovating new, smoke-free products for the adult smokers' transition. The FDA regulating the industry and authorizing reduced harm products based on science. Our goal in our engagement with government and policy stakeholders is to advance this Vision by supporting policies necessary for harm reduction to succeed. Key Issues For Us Here are some of the important legislative priorities for Altria and its companies and how we engaged on them recently. Supporting Science-Based FDA Regulation Harm reduction can’t succeed without effective, comprehensive federal regulation of tobacco products. Learn More Legislation Preventing Underage Use Harm reduction starts with preventing underage use of all tobacco products. Learn More Adult Smokers 21+ Should Have Access to Better Choices Adult smokers who don’t quit should be encouraged to transition to FDA-regulated less harmful products. Learn More FDA's Role as Regulator of Ingredients & Flavors Legislators engaged on tobacco issues should start with understanding the central role the FDA plays in regulating the industry – and the scientific capabilities and extensive resources it applies to the job. Learn More Tax Policy Should Give Less Harmful Products a Better Chance Tax classifications written many decades ago make little sense today given the science showing major risk differences between combustible and smoke-free products. Learn More Protecting the Legal, Regulated Market from Illegal Trade A thriving underground market in tobacco products is a serious threat to effective regulation and public health. Learn More Inclusion & Diversity Policy Activities We celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Learn More Racial & Economic Equity Policy Activities Altria launched a Race & Equity Initiative across our companies and publicly committed to address systemic racism faced by Black Americans and advance social and economic equity. Learn More Other Business Issues PREVIOUS Protecting the Environment Our companies play an active role in protecting our natural resources and reducing our environmental impact. We know that climate change is real, and inaction is not an option. We communicate our perspective to policy makers in Congress and our partner trade associations. Read More NEXT Operating Companies Philip Morris USA U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. John Middleton Helix Innovations LLC Philip Morris Capital Corp. Other Links Submit Your Idea Contact Us Privacy CA Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Terms of Use © 1999 - 2021 Altria Group, Inc.